* Focus on verisimilitude: Realism in literature aimed for a truthful, accurate depiction of life. Literary nonfiction, with its focus on real-life events, people, and experiences, offered a direct window into the reality of the time. This provided writers with rich material and inspiration to ground their fictional narratives in authentic details.
* Social commentary: Realism sought to expose societal ills and injustices. Literary nonfiction, often exploring social issues like poverty, inequality, and political corruption, gave voice to those marginalized or unheard. It provided a powerful platform for social commentary and fueled the movement's desire for reform.
* Objective observation: Realist writers aimed for objectivity and neutrality in their portrayal of the world. Literary nonfiction, with its emphasis on factual accuracy and reporting, fostered this objective lens. Writers, by delving into real-life situations and studying individual lives, gained valuable insights that informed their fictional narratives.
* Exploration of everyday life: Realism sought to depict the ordinary lives of ordinary people. Literary nonfiction, often focusing on everyday experiences, personal struggles, and individual triumphs, provided a rich source of inspiration for writers to explore the complexities of human existence.
* Influence on fictional narratives: Realist fiction borrowed heavily from the themes, characters, and situations presented in literary nonfiction. By drawing on real-life experiences, writers infused their fiction with a sense of authenticity and credibility, making their stories feel grounded and relatable.
Examples:
* Charles Dickens's "Oliver Twist": Inspired by his observations of poverty and social injustice in London, Dickens used his journalistic experience to create a fictional narrative that resonated with readers and brought about social change.
* Henry Mayhew's "London Labour and the London Poor": This non-fiction work, documenting the lives of London's working class, influenced Dickens, and many other writers of the time, in their portrayal of poverty and social inequalities.
Therefore, while not a "part" in a strict sense, literary nonfiction played a crucial role in fueling and complementing the Realism movement. It provided writers with material, inspiration, and a lens for exploring the complexities of the human condition and the world around them, contributing significantly to the movement's success in shaping literary and social landscapes.