Major Figures:
* Leo Tolstoy (Russia): Known for his epic novels *War and Peace* and *Anna Karenina*, Tolstoy explored the complexities of human relationships, societal structures, and the search for meaning in life. His realism focused on portraying the everyday lives of ordinary people and the psychological realities of their experiences.
* Fyodor Dostoevsky (Russia): His works like *Crime and Punishment* and *The Brothers Karamazov* delved into the psychological depths of characters, often grappling with moral dilemmas, existentialism, and the complexities of human nature. Dostoevsky's writing style was intense and introspective, deeply affecting readers.
* Gustave Flaubert (France): A master of style and precision, Flaubert's *Madame Bovary* is considered a cornerstone of Realism. His meticulous depiction of provincial life and the psychological journey of a woman seeking fulfillment beyond her mundane existence revolutionized the novel's form.
* Honoré de Balzac (France): Balzac's ambitious project, "The Human Comedy," aimed to depict the entirety of French society. His novels like *Père Goriot* and *Eugénie Grandet* showcased the realities of social class, ambition, and the pursuit of wealth in 19th-century France.
* George Eliot (England): Writing under a male pseudonym, Eliot's novels like *Middlemarch* and *Adam Bede* offered nuanced portrayals of women's lives in Victorian England. She explored themes of morality, social expectations, and the internal struggles of individuals in a restrictive society.
* Charles Dickens (England): While often classified as Victorian, Dickens's works like *Oliver Twist* and *A Tale of Two Cities* can be considered realist in their detailed portrayal of poverty, social injustice, and the lives of the working class.
Other Key Contributors:
* Henry James (England/America): James focused on the psychological aspects of characters and the impact of social interactions. His novels like *The Portrait of a Lady* explored the complexities of consciousness and moral dilemmas in a changing society.
* Emile Zola (France): Known for his naturalism, a branch of Realism that emphasized the influence of social and biological factors on human behavior. His novels like *Germinal* and *Nana* exposed the harsh realities of industrial life and societal issues.
* Mark Twain (America): While often associated with American Romanticism, Twain's novels like *The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn* and *The Adventures of Tom Sawyer* drew on real-life experiences and vernacular language, contributing to American Realism.
Beyond the Novel:
It's important to remember that Realism extended beyond novels. Playwrights like Henrik Ibsen and Anton Chekhov explored social realities and the struggles of individuals in their dramas.
While these are some of the most recognized names, many other authors contributed to the rise and evolution of Realism. Their impact on literature, art, and social thinking continues to be felt today.