Literary Realism Movement and Its Impacts in American Literature

Literary Realism Movement and Its Impacts in American Literature

Assignment 110A: Literary Realism Movement and Its Impacts in American Literature. This blog is part of an assignment for paper 110A- History of English Literature From 1900 to 2000

       Table of contents: 

• Personal Information 
• Assignment Details 
• Abstract 
• Keywords 
• Introduction 
• Historical Background of Literary Criticism 
• Characteristics of Literary Realism
• Major Writers and Works of Literary Realism
• Mark Twain
• Henry James
• William Dean Howells
• Kate Chopin
• Naturalism and Regionalism as Extensions of Realism
• Conclusion 
• References 

Personal Information: 

Name: Srushtikumari Chaudhari

Batch: M.A. sem 2 (2024-2026)

Enrollment number: 5108240011

E-mail address: srushtichaudhari1205@gmail.com

Roll number: 29

Assignment Details :

Topic: Literary Realism Movement and Its Impacts in American Literature

Paper & subject code: 110A - History of English Literature From 1900 to 2000

Submitted to: Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavnagar

Date of submission: 17/04/2025

Abstract:

The Literary Realism movement emerged in the United States in the late 19th century as a reaction against the romantic and idealized portrayals of life found in earlier literary traditions. Rooted in a commitment to depicting everyday life and ordinary people with accuracy, realism sought to move away from exaggerated emotions and heroic narratives. This paper explores the historical origins of Literary Realism, its defining characteristics, major writers and works, and its lasting impact on American literature. By analyzing sources such as An Analysis of the Literary Realism Movement and Its Impacts (ResearchGate, 2023), this assignment examines how realism influenced literary techniques, narrative structures, and themes that shaped modern American literature.

Keywords:

Literary Realism, American Literature, 19th Century, Naturalism, Regionalism, Realist Writers, Social Commentary, Historical Context

Introduction:

American literature has undergone various transformations throughout history, with different literary movements reflecting the cultural, political, and social shifts of the times. One of the most significant movements in American literary history is Literary Realism, which developed in response to the idealistic and imaginative tendencies of Romanticism. Literary Realism is characterized by its focus on depicting real-life situations, ordinary characters, and the complexities of human experiences. Unlike Romanticism, which often focused on emotions, nature, and heroic figures, Realism sought to portray life as it truly was, with an emphasis on social conditions, ethical dilemmas, and the realities of everyday existence.

The rise of Realism in America was closely tied to the country’s historical events, such as the Civil War, industrialization, and social transformations. Writers such as Mark Twain, Henry James, and William Dean Howells played crucial roles in defining and shaping the movement. This paper explores the origins, characteristics, major figures, and impact of Literary Realism, with references to scholarly sources, including An Analysis of the Literary Realism Movement and Its Impacts.

Historical Background of Literary Realism:

The origins of Literary Realism can be traced back to Europe, particularly France, where writers like Honoré de Balzac and Gustave Flaubert pioneered the movement. However, in the United States, Realism emerged as a reaction to the devastation of the Civil War (1861–1865) and the changing social landscape of the late 19th century. The war had exposed the harsh realities of life, leading many writers to abandon the romanticized depictions of heroism and adventure in favor of more grounded and realistic portrayals of human experience.

The post-war period in America saw rapid industrialization, urbanization, and economic changes that significantly altered the daily lives of people. Literature during this time began to reflect these changes by focusing on common individuals rather than aristocratic or mythical heroes. As An Analysis of the Literary Realism Movement and Its Impacts (ResearchGate, 2023) notes, Realism developed as a response to these transformations, aiming to present an honest and detailed depiction of society.

Characteristics of Literary Realism:

Several defining features characterize Literary Realism, distinguishing it from earlier literary movements:

 1. Depiction of Everyday Life

 • Realist writers focused on the ordinary lives of middle-class and working-class individuals rather than the adventures of idealized heroes.

 • Their works often depicted struggles related to class, gender, and race.

 2. Character-Driven Narratives

 • Unlike Romanticism, which often relied on plot-driven storytelling, Realism emphasized character development.

 • Characters in realist literature were complex, flawed, and shaped by their social environments.

 3. Use of Vernacular Language

 • Realist writers sought to capture the speech patterns and dialects of different regions, making their works more authentic.

 • Mark Twain, for example, used regional dialects in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to create a sense of realism.

 4. Social Commentary and Critique

 • Many Realist works addressed social injustices, economic struggles, and moral dilemmas.

 • Realism often criticized institutions such as marriage, politics, and the class system.

 5. Objective and Detailed Descriptions

 • Writers used detailed and precise descriptions to create vivid portrayals of their settings and characters.

 • The goal was to make readers feel as if they were observing real-life events.

Major Writers and Works of Literary Realism:

Mark Twain (1835–1910):

Mark Twain, the pen name of Samuel Clemens, is often associated with the literary movement of realism, which emerged in the late 19th century. Realism aimed to present a detailed and unembellished vision of the world, reflecting the true nature of society and human experiences. Twain's works, such as "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" (1876) and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" (1885), exemplify this approach by realistically depicting life along the Mississippi River and addressing complex social issues like race and identity.

Twain's writing is characterized by his use of humor and satire, which he combined with realistic portrayals of American life. His ability to create vivid characters and dialogue, often using regional dialects, contributed to his reputation as a realist writer. Twain's works not only entertained but also provided social commentary, making him a significant figure in American literature and a key contributor to the realist movement.

Henry James (1843–1916):

Henry James was a prolific American novelist whose career spanned over five decades, producing a vast body of work that includes 20 novels, 112 tales, 12 plays, and numerous volumes of travel and criticism. He is celebrated for his innovative contributions to the form of the novel, particularly through his development of the "international novel," which often explored the cultural conflicts between Americans and Europeans. His works frequently depicted the innocence and democratic ideals of America clashing with the sophisticated and sometimes corrupt culture of Europe.

James's writing evolved over time, moving from detailed realism to a more introspective and psychological approach. His later works, such as The Ambassadors (1903), The Wings of the Dove (1902), and The Golden Bowl (1904), are noted for their complex narrative techniques, including shifting perspectives and dense, symbolic prose. These novels often focus on a small group of characters in tense situations, exploring themes of perception, awareness, and moral ambiguity.

In addition to his novels, James was a master of the short story, with notable works like The Turn of the Screw (1898) and The Aspern Papers(1888). His critical essays and prefaces to his collected works, particularly those in the "New York Edition," provide insight into his theories of fiction and his artistic struggles.

James became a British subject in 1915, shortly before his death, and was awarded the Order of Merit by King George V. His influence on literature is profound, with his exploration of the inner lives of characters paving the way for the stream-of-consciousness movement in the 20th century.

William Dean Howells (1837–1920):      

William Dean Howells (1837–1920) was a prominent American novelist and critic, often regarded as the dean of late 19th-century American letters and a champion of literary realism. He was a close friend and adviser to notable authors such as Mark Twain and Henry James. Howells began his career as a typesetter and reporter, eventually becoming a significant literary figure through his contributions to The Atlantic Monthly. His early works, such as Their Wedding Journey (1872) and A Chance Acquaintance (1873), focused on realistic portrayals of middle-class life.

Howells' most acclaimed novel, The Rise of Silas Lapham (1885), explores the challenges of a self-made businessman trying to integrate into Boston society. His later works, including Annie Kilburn (1888) and A Hazard of New Fortunes (1890), reflect his evolving social views and support for labor movements. Howells also played a critical role in promoting both American and European authors, including the young Naturalistic novelists and European writers like Tolstoy. Despite falling out of fashion later in life, his influence on American literature has been reassessed and appreciated for its style, humor, and honesty.

Kate Chopin (1850–1904):

Kate Chopin was an American novelist and short-story writer born on February 8, 1850, in St. Louis, Missouri, and died on August 22, 1904, in the same city. She is renowned for her exploration of New Orleans culture and her early feminist themes, which gained renewed interest in the late 20th century. Chopin's work often focused on the lives of Creole and Cajun people in the South, and she wrote over 100 short stories, with "Désirée’s Baby" and "Madame Celestin’s Divorce" being particularly notable.

Her most famous novel, The Awakening (1899), explores the sexual and artistic awakening of a young wife and mother, which was controversial at the time for its candid portrayal of female infidelity and sexuality. Initially condemned and out of print for over 50 years, it was rediscovered in the 1950s and is now celebrated as a pioneering feminist text. Chopin's work is often categorized within the "local color" genre, capturing the essence of Southern life.

Naturalism and Regionalism as Extensions of Realism

Two related movements emerged from Literary Realism:

 1. Naturalism:

 • Naturalism took Realism a step further by suggesting that human behavior was determined by environment, heredity, and chance.

 • Writers like Stephen Crane (The Red Badge of Courage) and Jack London (The Call of the Wild) depicted characters who struggled against uncontrollable forces.

 2. Regionalism:

 • Also known as “local color” writing, Regionalism focused on the customs, dialects, and landscapes of specific regions in America.

 • Notable regionalist authors include Sarah Orne Jewett (The Country of the Pointed Firs) and Bret Harte (The Luck of Roaring Camp).

Impact of Literary Realism on American Literature:

Literary Realism had a lasting influence on American literature, shaping later movements such as modernism and contemporary fiction. Some of its significant impacts include:

 • Shift Toward Psychological Depth: Later writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway adopted the Realist focus on character psychology.

 • Influence on 20th-Century Social Novels: Realism paved the way for literature that addressed social issues, including the Harlem Renaissance and Civil Rights-era writing.

 • Enduring Popularity: Many Realist novels are still widely read and studied today, influencing literature, film, and theater.

Conclusion:

The Literary Realism movement played a crucial role in shaping American literature by introducing a new approach to storytelling that emphasized authenticity, character development, and social critique. Reacting against the idealized portrayals of Romanticism, Realist writers sought to depict life with honesty and depth. Their focus on ordinary individuals, regional dialects, and social issues helped create literature that remains relevant and influential. The insights provided in An Analysis of the Literary Realism Movement and Its Impacts (ResearchGate, 2023) underscore the movement’s significance and long-lasting impact.

As American literature evolved, realism remained a foundational element, influencing modern literary techniques and themes. By highlighting the struggles and triumphs of real people, the movement continues to offer profound insights into human nature and society.

References:

An Analysis of the Literary Realism Movement and Its Impacts. (2023). ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378160939_An_Analysis_of_the_Literary_Realism_Movement_and_Its_Impacts

Edel, Leon. "Henry James". Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Feb. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Henry-James-American-writer . Accessed 22 March 2025. 

Quirk, Thomas V.. "Mark Twain". Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Feb. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mark-Twain . Accessed 22 March 2025.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. "William Dean Howells". Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Feb. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/William-Dean-Howells . Accessed 22 March 2025.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. "Kate Chopin". Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Feb. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kate-Chopin . Accessed 22 March 2025.

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