American Regionalism and Realism 1860-1920(ish). What is Realism? A faithful representation of...
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Transcript of American Regionalism and Realism 1860-1920(ish). What is Realism? A faithful representation of...
American Regionalism and
Realism
1860-1920(ish)
What is Realism?
• A faithful representation of reality in literature, also known as “verisimilitude.”
• Emphasis on development of believable characters.
• Written in natural vernacular, or dialect.
• Prominent from 1860-1890.
Realist Writers
• Mark Twain• William Dean
Howells• Henry James• Edgar Lee Masters• Stephen Crane
Why did Realism develop?
• The Civil War• The urbanization and industrialization of
America• As a reaction to Romanticism• Increasing rates of democracy and literacy• The emerging middle class• Upheaval and social change in the latter
half of the 19th century
What is Regionalism?
• Often called “local color.”• Focuses on characters, dialect,
customs, topography, and other features specific to a certain region (eg. the South)
• Coincided with Realism and sharing many of the same traits.
• Prominent from 1865-1895.
Regionalist Writers
• Kate Chopin—South
• Mary E. Wilkins-Freeman—New England
• Mark Twain—West• Willa Cather—
Midwest
THE IMPORTANCE OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN• Huckleberry Finn is a
turning point in the pattern of American literature
• Twain was the first writer to successfully employ the use of vernacular
USE OF OFFENSIVE WORDS
• Particularly the “N-Word”
• Twain is speaking through the consciousness of Huck and using his words to convey the flavor of contemporary society
• Not meant to be insulting
The River
• River (uncivilized) – peaceful and easy, yet not totally without danger
• Shore (civilized) – cruel, authoritarian, hypocritical
• Paradox – Small, confined raft yet it represents freedom
Picaresque Novel
• heroic journey in which a character goes on a journey to discover himself
• Book is based around a series of episodes that helps to shape the character
Major Themes
• Conflict between individual and society – Huck’s struggle with his “deformed conscience”
• Appearance vs. reality• Superstition• Tolerance vs. prejudice• Dehumanization• Coming of age – the hero’s journey