Realism

The Realism period, which gained prominence in the 19th century, marked a significant departure from the lofty ideals and romanticized worlds of its predecessor. In contrast to the emotional and imaginative fervor of Romanticism, Realism sought to portray life as it truly existed, depicting the everyday struggles and triumphs of ordinary people. As a movement, it is a reaction to the strong idealistic and magical elements of Romanticism. During this time, the Western World was becoming increasingly industrialized. Few areas of the map remained uncharted. The magical qualities of the early Fairy Tales and the mystical qualities of the Romantic story fell out of favor for the factual and gritty detail of the Realistic story.

Important Dates:

• Europe: 1770-1830
• England: 1798-1832
• North American: 1820-1860
• Latin American: 1830-1880

Characteristics of realism include:

• Individual vs. Society - Society values the individual over the collective. They believed society is what corrupts and destroys humans. 
• Emotion vs. Reason - Emotion was valued over reason
• Imaginary vs. Real - They wrote to escape reality, often leaving out critical details from the Realism period. Cause and effect was not a priority during this period. 
• Nature was seen to be a pure and all-powerful force. The romantics often saw nature as a place to escape to. If the characters have conflicts, then nature is the way to fix their problems in one way or another. 
• Writing Style was extravagant, with lush language, and a great deal of descriptive language.

Science Fiction: 

• Treason by Orson Scott Card (2006)
• War Dogs by Greg Bear
• Orbital Decay by Allen M. Steele

Fantasy: 

• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling (2000)
  • Individual vs. Society - Harry Potter, the main character, eventually triumphs. While he does not often do it alone, there are many instances where the individual fails in the novel. Examples of this are how his friends, Ron and Hermione, help me to find the Chamber of Secrets but it isn’t until the end that he arrives at the chamber alone. 
  • Nature - There is no inherent truth, nature is often seen as hostile and dangerous. 
• Extinction Point by Paul Antony Jones (2013)
  • Individual vs. Society - The individual in Extinction Point does not triumph and society is nearly destroyed. It’s not until the collective unite, that progress is made. 
  • Nature - Nature is openly hostile and humans are nearly wiped out. 
• Magical Realism Overview
  • Franz Roh
  • Alejo Carpentier El Reino de Este Mundo (2010)
  • Garcia Marquez One Hundred Years of Solitude (1991)
  • Jorge Luis Borges Ficciones (1994)

Graphic Novel/Comic:

• Warren Ellis’ Scars by Warren Ellis (2008)
• Watchmen by Alan Moore (1995)

Young Adult Literature:

Realism is often portrayed in YAL through local color, the grotesque and mimetic description. Similarly, nature as a threat and the inherent question of human nature is often contested in YAL. 

• Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta (2008)
• Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia (2010)
• Torn Away by Jennifer Brown (2014)
• Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell (2013)
• Beware the Wild by Natalie C. Parker (2014)
• The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (2017)

Recommended Media: 

• CrashCourse. 100 Years of Solitude Part 1: Crash Course Literature 306. YouTube. 
• Hailey LaJoie. American Literature-Realism. YouTube. youtube.com/watch?v=fTOnDOkqp3o
• Marc Schuster. 2014. Get Real: An Introduction to Realism in American Literature. YouTube. youtube.com/watch?v=eTCjHZWmgG0

Keith and Lance both grabbed the bagel at the same time.

“Threaten my life all you want I’m not giving it up this time” was the first thing out of Lance’s mouth. He had work and three tests today there was no way he wasn’t going without that bagel. He looked at Keith closely waiting for his boyfriend to remove his offending appendage from his bagel. Keith sighed and removed his hand shoulders hunching. Wait that wasn’t what was supposed to happen, Keith always argued over, well basically anything with Lance. He turned fully toward Keith and put his hand on his hip.

“Alright pretty boy, what’s up? You always fight me for food.” Pulling Keith into a hug and Lance became even more concerned when Keith allowed it and even clung to the back of his shirt. Keith didn’t seem to be willing to talk about whatever was bothering him, so Lance brushed the frankly ridiculous hair out of Keith’s face.

“Mom, mom use to make bagels by hand.” Keith drew a shaky breath “and this is the day she died.” Lance felt his face grow cold. He squished Keith to him even more and rubbed his hand up and down his back.

“I’m here for you. What do you need?” Keith looked at him with wide eyes.

“I normally go visit her grave but what about work and you had tests right?”

“Screw them all your more important.” Keith pulled away a bit and gave Lance a small smile and a kiss that Lance happily accepted.

“You’re always more important Keith. Forever and always.”