Unit 19: Realism across the Globe Flashcards
What motivated the turn to realism?
The turn to realism was motivated by a desire to depict everyday life and ordinary people authentically, contrasting with the idealized representations of Romanticism. Writers sought to address social issues, highlight the struggles of the working class, and explore the complexities of human experience in response to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and changing societal norms during the 19th century. This shift aimed to provide a more truthful and critical reflection of contemporary life.
Was realism a specifically European development?
No, realism was not a specifically European development. While it originated in 19th-century Europe as a reaction against Romanticism, realism also emerged in various forms around the world, reflecting local social, political, and cultural contexts. Different regions adapted realist principles to address their unique issues, making realism a global literary movement.
What was new about realism as a form of expression?
Realism introduced a new approach to expression by focusing on the detailed, unembellished portrayal of everyday life and ordinary characters. It emphasized authenticity, using precise language and observations to depict social issues and the complexities of human relationships. This contrasted sharply with the idealism and emotional excess of Romanticism, prioritizing a more objective, sometimes critical perspective on society and its struggles. Realism’s commitment to representing life as it is, rather than as it should be, marked a significant shift in literature.
How did realists differ from the Romantics and the modernists in their response to industrialization?
Realists: They focused on depicting the realities of life under industrialization, often highlighting social issues, the struggles of the working class, and the impact of urbanization. Their works aimed to provide a truthful representation of contemporary society, showing both its challenges and mundane aspects.
Romantics: In contrast, Romantics reacted to industrialization by emphasizing emotion, nature, and individualism. They often idealized the past and sought refuge in rural or natural settings, portraying industrialization as a corrupting force that alienated individuals from their true selves.
Modernists: Modernists, emerging later, responded to industrialization by exploring themes of disillusionment and fragmentation. They often employed innovative narrative techniques and questioned traditional forms, reflecting the chaos and uncertainty of the modern world shaped by industrialization, war, and rapid change.
Did all realists tend to see reality in the same way?
No, not all realists tended to see reality in the same way. While they shared a commitment to depicting everyday life and social issues authentically, their perspectives varied based on cultural, social, and political contexts. Different realist writers focused on diverse themes, such as class struggles, moral dilemmas, or psychological depth, leading to different interpretations of reality. Additionally, some realists emphasized objective observation, while others incorporated subjective experiences, creating a range of approaches within the broader realist movement.
What influenced realist writers?
Social Changes: The rise of the middle class, urbanization, and the impact of the Industrial Revolution prompted writers to explore the lives and struggles of everyday people.
Scientific Developments: Advances in science and philosophy encouraged a focus on observation, empirical evidence, and the exploration of human psychology.
Political Contexts: Social and political upheavals, such as revolutions and class struggles, motivated writers to address issues of justice, inequality, and human rights.
Historical Events: The aftermath of wars and social changes influenced their portrayals of human suffering and societal realities.
Literary Traditions: Realists reacted against Romanticism, rejecting its idealism and emotionalism in favor of a more grounded, truthful representation of life.
Why did realists focus on prose or drama rather than poetry?
Realists focused on prose and drama rather than poetry because these forms allowed for more detailed exploration of everyday life, social issues, and complex character development. Prose and drama provided the space for nuanced dialogue and intricate narratives, which were essential for depicting the realities of human experience in a way that poetry, with its brevity and often symbolic language, could not. Additionally, prose and drama enabled realists to address contemporary social and political themes more directly, making their work more accessible and relatable to a broader audience.
How was dramatization in particular used to question social norms?
Dramatization was used to question social norms by presenting conflicts and dilemmas that challenged conventional values and behaviors. Through character interactions and dialogues, playwrights exposed societal injustices, such as class disparities, gender roles, and moral hypocrisy. The staged conflicts allowed audiences to witness the consequences of rigid social structures and encouraged critical reflection on their own beliefs and actions. This form of expression not only highlighted the flaws in societal norms but also provoked discussions about change and reform, making theater a powerful vehicle for social critique.
How did Ibsen’s early plays differ from the so-called “well-made play,” and what did he focus on when he returned to Norway?
Ibsen’s early plays differed from the “well-made play” by prioritizing psychological depth and complex characters over formulaic plots and conventional structures. Instead of relying on intricate setups and neat resolutions typical of well-made plays, Ibsen explored social issues, moral conflicts, and the inner lives of his characters.
When he returned to Norway, Ibsen focused on themes of individuality, societal constraints, and the struggles of women. His later works, such as A Doll’s House and Hedda Gabler, challenged societal norms and depicted characters grappling with personal and social dilemmas, marking a shift toward realism and a more profound examination of human relationships.
What made Ibsen’s tragedy of modern middle-class life shocking to contemporary European audiences?
Ibsen’s tragedy of modern middle-class life was shocking to contemporary European audiences due to its unflinching portrayal of societal issues, such as gender inequality, moral hypocrisy, and the constraints of social conventions. His characters often faced harsh realities and personal dilemmas that revealed the darker aspects of domestic life, challenging the idealized notions of family and morality prevalent at the time. Additionally, Ibsen’s focus on the psychological complexity of his characters and their struggles for autonomy and identity confronted audiences with uncomfortable truths about their own lives, provoking discussions about social norms and the need for reform.
How does Ibsen use tangible things to address issues of class, the home, and marriage?
Ibsen uses tangible objects and settings to symbolize and address issues of class, the home, and marriage in his plays. For example:
Objects as Symbols: Items like the tarantella dress in A Doll’s House or the title character’s family heirloom in Hedda Gabler serve as symbols of societal expectations and personal identity, reflecting the constraints imposed by class and gender.
Domestic Settings: Ibsen’s focus on the home as a central setting underscores its role as both a sanctuary and a prison. The domestic space becomes a site of conflict where power dynamics in marriage and family life are explored, revealing the often oppressive nature of middle-class values.
Realism in Details: By incorporating realistic details of everyday life, Ibsen grounds his exploration of social issues in the tangible experiences of his characters, making their struggles relatable and highlighting the impact of material conditions on their relationships and societal roles.
Through these
In Hedda Gabler, how does Ibsen use setting, characterization, and symbolism to further larger themes of the play?
Setting: The Tesman household symbolizes comfort and entrapment, reflecting societal expectations and Hedda’s confinement.
Characterization: Hedda is a complex, manipulative figure, contrasting with Thea Elvsted to highlight themes of female agency and societal constraints.
Symbolism: Hedda’s pistols symbolize her desire for control and freedom. The burning of Lovborg’s manuscript represents the destruction of creativity and potential.
These elements deepen themes of individuality, societal constraints, and the conseque
How does the resolution of Hedda Gabler contribute to the radicalism of Ibsen’s portrayal of modern life?
The resolution of Hedda Gabler contributes to the radicalism of Ibsen’s portrayal of modern life by presenting a bleak outcome for Hedda, who feels utterly trapped by societal norms. Her decision to take her own life symbolizes a rejection of the oppressive structures of marriage and gender roles, emphasizing the extreme consequences of a life devoid of agency and authenticity. This ending challenges conventional moral values and forces audiences to confront the harsh realities of modern existence, making Ibsen’s critique of society and its constraints all the more powerful and provocative.
In what ways might Hedda Gabler be seen as a modern version of Medea?
Female Agency: Both characters assert their desires and resist societal constraints, even if through drastic actions. Medea takes revenge against her husband, while Hedda seeks control over her life and those around her.
Tragic Outcomes: Both figures face tragic ends due to their choices. Medea’s actions lead to destruction and loss, while Hedda’s suicide reflects her ultimate despair and rejection of societal expectations.
Conflict with Society: Both women challenge patriarchal norms. Medea defies Greek societal expectations, and Hedda confronts the limitations of 19th-century bourgeois life.
Psychological Depth: Ibsen and Euripides explore the inner turmoil and motivations of their protagonists, portraying complex emotions and struggles against societal roles.
These parallels highlight the enduring themes of female empowerment, societal constraints, and tragic consequences across time and cultures.
