Exploring What Influenced Realism Literature

Introduction

Realism literature is a type of writing that focuses on depicting life as it really is. It is often characterised by its honest portrayal of everyday people and their struggles, as well as its focus on the mundane and the ordinary. In order to understand what influenced this particular form of literature, it is important to explore the historical context, philosophy, technology, literary genres, and cultural influences that have shaped realism writing.

Exploring the Historical Context of Realism Literature

The historical context of writing has had a significant impact on the development of realism literature. During the 19th century, there was an abundance of social movements that sought to challenge the status quo and bring about change. The most notable of these were the women’s suffrage movement, the civil rights movement, and the labour movement. These movements sought to redefine the role of individuals in society and to create a more equitable and just society. The ideas and values that emerged from these movements had a profound influence on realism writing, as authors sought to reflect the changing social landscape in their works.

In addition to social movements, the political landscape of the time also had an influence on realism literature. During the 19th century, Europe was embroiled in a series of wars, which resulted in a great deal of upheaval and instability. Writers such as Leo Tolstoy and Honoré de Balzac sought to capture the realities of war in their works, as well as the human suffering and despair that accompanied it. This political turmoil also led to a wave of emigration, as many people sought to escape the violence and unrest of their homeland. Writers such as Mark Twain and Henry James sought to depict the experiences of immigrants in their works, providing a window into the lives of those who had been uprooted from their homes.

The Influence of Philosophy on Realism Writing

Philosophy has played a major role in shaping realism literature. During the 19th century, philosophers such as Friedrich Nietzsche and Karl Marx developed theories about power, justice, and the human condition. These theories provided writers with a framework for understanding the world and its inequalities, and allowed them to explore difficult topics such as class struggle and economic inequality. For example, in his novel The Brothers Karamazov, Fyodor Dostoevsky examines the power dynamics between different classes of society and how these affect human relationships.

The philosophical writings of Immanuel Kant also had an impact on realism literature. In his work Critique of Pure Reason, Kant emphasised the importance of logic and reason in understanding the world, as well as the need to be open-minded and willing to listen to different perspectives. This idea of being open to different viewpoints and embracing new ideas was embraced by realism writers, who sought to depict the diversity of human experience in their works.

Examining the Role of Technology in Realism Writing

The advancement of technology during the 19th century had a significant impact on realism literature. The invention of the printing press allowed authors to reach a wider audience than ever before, as books could now be printed and distributed on a mass scale. This meant that authors had greater freedom to express their ideas and opinions, as they no longer had to rely on wealthy patrons or publishers to disseminate their works. In addition, the introduction of photography enabled authors to capture the reality of life in a way that had previously been impossible. Writers such as Émile Zola used photographs to document the living conditions of the working classes, providing a vivid and powerful insight into the realities of poverty and inequality.

Studying the Influence of Literary Genres on Realism Writing

The popularity of certain literary genres has had a strong influence on the development of realism literature. During the 19th century, Romanticism was one of the most popular literary genres, with works such as Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley becoming bestsellers. This genre focused on themes such as love, nature, and emotion, and celebrated the individual over society. However, as the century progressed, writers began to move away from Romanticism and towards realism, as they sought to capture the complexities of life in a more honest and realistic manner.

The rise of Naturalism was another important influence on realism literature. Naturalism was a literary movement that emphasised the role of environment and heredity in shaping human behaviour. Writers such as Stephen Crane and Jack London sought to portray the harsh realities of life, often focusing on the darker aspects of human nature. This approach to writing provided a stark contrast to the idealised view of the world presented by Romanticism, and helped to shape the development of realism literature.

Investigating the Cultural Influences on Realism Writing

The cultural influences of the time also had an impact on realism literature. Authors such as Charles Dickens and George Eliot sought to capture the spirit of their respective countries in their works. For example, Dickens wrote about the poverty and inequality that existed in Victorian England, while Eliot examined the changing social landscape of 19th century England. The emergence of national identities during this period also had an influence on realism writing, as authors sought to explore the unique characteristics of their own country and culture.

Conclusion

Realism literature has been shaped by a variety of influences, including social movements, politics, philosophy, technology, literary genres, and culture. By examining these factors, we can gain a better understanding of how realism literature has evolved over time, and why it remains an important form of writing today. For those seeking to gain a deeper understanding of realism literature, exploring the historical context, philosophy, technology, literary genres, and cultural influences that have shaped this genre is essential.