Realism-literary time period
Realism
(1865-1910)
Naturalism
(1890s-1940s)
Realism
-literary movement
(1865-1910)
Origins
Developed in France in the mid 19th c.
Spread to England, Russia, and U.S.
Counter-movement to Romanticism
Realist writers: Kate Chopin, Mark
Twain, and Willa Cather
Characteristics of Realism
 Realists sought to render common people and
ordinary life accurately in literature and in art.
 Focus on complex characters who are ordinary
people, not heroes or villains.
 Attempted to present life objectively and honestly
without being sentimental or idealistic.
 Use of detached narration
 Focuses on the sharp contrasts in society.
 “Captains of industry” vs. immigrants and laborers.
Characteristics of Realism
 Depicts true-to-life dialogue that captures the
dialects nuances of speech.
 Portrays ordinary settings and settings that
reflect society and culture. Most settings are
described in great detail.
 Literary realism seeks to explore the key social
issues of the time. Made careful observations of life.
 People-working class
 Social issues-social class and negatives of the
Industrial Revolution.
Urbanization, massive immigration, The Dust Bowl,
The Great Depression
Naturalism
(1890’s-1940’s)
Origins
Originated in France in the late
1800s
Branched off of Realism
Strongly influenced by Charles
Darwin’s ideas
Naturalist writers: Dreiser, Frank
Norris, Jack London, and Stephen
Crane.
Characteristics of Naturalism
 Like Realists, Naturalists sought to render
common people and ordinary life accurately in
literature and in art.
 Naturalists focused on the harsh realties of the
world.
Pessimistic tone
 Naturalists overemphasized how instinct and
environment affect human behavior.
 Naturalists favored characters in the lower class,
or characters with “taboo” careers or
characteristics.
Characteristics of Naturalism
 Determinism
Belief that the fate of man is determined by
forces beyond an individual’s control
 Some questions a naturalist writer might
ask:
What motivates people to do the things they
do?
Is life a losing battle?
Are we helpless against forces beyond our
understanding and control? (Fate or nature)
Structure within Realist and
Naturalist Literature
 Lacks poetic features
 Simplified language
 Repetition of key phrases, settings, and/or ideas.
 Simple plot
 Conflict. Primarily Man vs. Nature or Man vs.
Society. These often lead to Man vs. Self
A man said to the universe:
“Sir, I exist!”
“However,” replied the universe,
“That fact has not created in me a sense
of obligation.”
-Stephen
Crane
3 Differences Between Realism
and Naturalism:
 1) Realism sought to be an accurate
representation of life, while Naturalism is more
like a "chronicle of despair”.
 2) While in Realism the main focus is on the
working class and its problems, Naturalism favors
the lower class and outcasts of society for its
characters and taboo.
 3) In Realism, settings can be described in great
detail, but are described accurately and
realistically. In Naturalism, Nature itself is
portrayed as an indifferent, relentless, and
overpowering force.