1. Realistic Setting and Characters:
* Everyday life: Realist literature emphasizes the ordinary, the mundane, and the familiar aspects of life. It portrays characters and situations that are relatable and believable to the reader.
* Detailed descriptions: Realist writers often provide vivid descriptions of settings, characters, and objects to create a sense of authenticity and immersion for the reader.
* Ordinary people: Realist literature often features characters from all walks of life, including the working class, the middle class, and the marginalized. These characters face the same challenges and complexities as real people in their everyday lives.
2. Social Commentary and Critique:
* Exploration of social issues: Realist literature often examines the social, economic, and political issues of its time. It might explore poverty, inequality, racism, sexism, or other societal problems.
* Objectivity and impartiality: Realist writers strive to present a balanced and unbiased view of the world. They may explore different perspectives and avoid moralizing or sentimentalizing.
3. Focus on Internal Conflict and Psychology:
* Complex characters: Realist characters are often complex and flawed individuals who struggle with internal conflicts, moral dilemmas, and personal growth.
* Psychological realism: Writers delve into the characters' thoughts, feelings, and motivations to provide a deeper understanding of their behavior and choices.
4. Style and Language:
* Plain and direct language: Realist literature often uses clear, concise language that is free from elaborate figures of speech or poetic devices. This allows for a more direct and relatable experience for the reader.
* Verisimilitude: Realist writers strive for verisimilitude, which means creating the appearance of truth or reality. They use details and language that are consistent with the time period and social context they are portraying.
5. Rejection of Romanticism:
* Rationality and objectivity: Realism emerged as a reaction against the excesses of Romanticism, which emphasized emotion, imagination, and idealism. Realist writers prioritized reason, observation, and a realistic portrayal of life.
* Focus on the present: Realist literature is typically set in the present time, avoiding historical settings or fantastical elements.
Examples of Realist Literature:
* "Madame Bovary" by Gustave Flaubert
* "Anna Karenina" by Leo Tolstoy
* "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain
* "A Room of One's Own" by Virginia Woolf
* "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck
Realist literature continues to be relevant today because it offers a powerful and relatable lens through which to explore the human experience, the complexities of social issues, and the enduring struggles of everyday life.