Realism in Literature & Literary Theory

Realism: Etymology/Term, Meanings and Concept

The term “realism” originates from the Latin word “realis,” meaning “real.” In philosophy and the arts, realism denotes a movement or approach characterized by an emphasis on depicting things as they are, without idealization or distortion.

1. Meaning in Philosophy: In philosophy, realism posits that objects exist independently of the mind and are perceivable through sensory experience. This stands in contrast to idealism, which asserts that reality is fundamentally mental or constructed by the mind.
2. Meaning in Literature and Art: In literature and art, realism refers to a style or movement that seeks to represent reality faithfully, often focusing on everyday life and ordinary people. Realist works typically eschew romanticism and idealization in favor of portraying the world as it is, with all its complexities and imperfections.
3. Epistemological Realism: This philosophical perspective asserts that truth exists independently of human perception or belief, and that knowledge can accurately represent objective reality. Epistemological realism is often contrasted with various forms of skepticism and anti-realism.
4. Political Realism: In the realm of politics, realism is a school of thought that emphasizes practical considerations and power dynamics in international relations. Political realists prioritize national interests, security, and stability over ideological or moral concerns, advocating for a pragmatic approach to diplomacy and statecraft.

Realism: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Realism, as a theoretical term, posits that objects and phenomena exist independently of human perception and consciousness. It asserts that there is an objective reality that exists regardless of whether or not it is perceived by humans. Realism holds that truth and knowledge are rooted in this external reality, which can be apprehended through empirical observation and rational inquiry.

Realism: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorist	Major Works	Main Arguments
Thucydides	History of the Peloponnesian War	Emphasized power politics, the role of fear, self-interest, and the anarchic nature of states
Niccolò Machiavelli	The Prince	Advocated for pragmatic, amoral statecraft, the importance of power, and stability
Thomas Hobbes	Leviathan	Argued for the necessity of a strong central authority to prevent the state of nature
Hans Morgenthau	Politics Among Nations	Formulated principles of political realism, focusing on power as a central concept
E.H. Carr	The Twenty Years’ Crisis	Criticized idealism and stressed the importance of power, interest, and the balance of power
Kenneth Waltz	Theory of International Politics	Introduced structural realism, emphasizing the anarchic structure of the international system
John Mearsheimer	The Tragedy of Great Power Politics	Argued that states inherently seek power and security, leading to conflict and competition

Realism: Major Characteristics

1. Focus on Everyday Life: Realism often portrays the lives of ordinary people in ordinary situations, emphasizing the mundane and the commonplace.
   • Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert: This novel provides a detailed portrayal of provincial life in France, focusing on the daily struggles and aspirations of its characters.
2. Attention to Detail and Accuracy: Realist works strive for accuracy and detail in their depiction of settings, events, and characters.
   • Middlemarch by George Eliot: Eliot’s novel meticulously describes the social, political, and economic realities of provincial England in the 19th century.
3. Portrayal of Social Realities: Realism often explores social issues, including class distinctions, poverty, and the impact of industrialization.
   • Germinal by Émile Zola: Zola’s novel offers a gritty portrayal of life in a mining community in France, addressing the harsh conditions faced by workers during the industrial revolution.
4. Psychological Depth: Realist literature delves into the interior lives and motivations of its characters, exploring their thoughts, feelings, and motivations in depth.
   • Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy: Tolstoy’s novel delves deeply into the psychological complexities of its characters, examining their inner conflicts and desires.
5. Rejection of Romanticism: Realism contrasts with romanticism by eschewing idealized portrayals of characters and situations, opting instead for a more objective and unembellished approach.
   • The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane: Crane’s novel presents a starkly realistic portrayal of war, devoid of romanticized heroism or glory.
6. Social Critique: Realist works often critique societal norms, institutions, and behaviors, exposing social injustices and hypocrisies.
   • The Jungle by Upton Sinclair: Sinclair’s novel exposes the harsh realities of the meatpacking industry in Chicago, highlighting the exploitation of workers and the unsanitary conditions of the industry.

Realism: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance of Realism
Formalism	Realism’s attention to detail and accuracy in depicting settings and characters can be analyzed through the lens of formalist literary analysis.
Marxism	Realism often addresses social issues such as class distinctions and poverty, making it significant in Marxist literary criticism.
Feminism	Realist literature sometimes explores the lives and struggles of women, providing material for feminist literary analysis.
Psychoanalytic Theory	Realism’s focus on psychological depth and the interior lives of characters can be analyzed using psychoanalytic literary theory.
Postcolonialism	Realist works may offer insights into the social and cultural dynamics of colonial or postcolonial societies, relevant to postcolonial theory.
Ecocriticism	Realism’s portrayal of nature and environment can be examined through the lens of ecocritical literary theory.
Queer Theory	Realism’s representation of gender and sexuality can be explored in relation to queer theory and LGBTQ+ identities.

Realism: Application in Critiques

1. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck:
   • Realism in Social Commentary: Steinbeck’s portrayal of the struggles of the Joad family during the Great Depression is a powerful critique of socio-economic conditions in America. Through vivid descriptions of poverty, displacement, and exploitation, Steinbeck captures the harsh realities faced by migrant workers.
   • Realism in Language and Dialogue: The use of colloquial language and dialects in the dialogue enhances the authenticity of the characters and their experiences. Steinbeck’s writing style mirrors the speech patterns of the working-class, adding depth to the realism of the narrative.
   • Realism in Symbolism: The recurring motifs of dust, decay, and resilience symbolize the broader socio-economic challenges faced by the characters. These symbols anchor the narrative in the reality of the Dust Bowl era and its impact on ordinary people.
2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee:
   • Realism in Characterization: Lee’s portrayal of characters like Atticus Finch and Scout reflects the complexities of human nature and the dynamics of race and class in the American South during the 1930s. The characters feel authentic and multi-dimensional, contributing to the realism of the narrative.
   • Realism in Social Commentary: The novel explores themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and societal norms, offering a candid depiction of the deep-seated prejudices and inequalities prevalent in the Southern United States. Lee’s unflinching portrayal of these issues adds weight to her critique of society.
   • Realism in Narrative Voice: The use of Scout Finch as the narrator provides a child’s perspective on the adult world, offering insights into societal injustices and moral complexities through the innocent lens of a young girl. This narrative choice adds layers of authenticity and realism to the story.
3. Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga:
   • Realism in Cultural Context: Dangarembga’s novel provides a candid portrayal of post-colonial Zimbabwe, exploring themes of gender, race, and identity within the context of a changing society. The depiction of traditional Shona culture alongside Western influences adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.
   • Realism in Character Development: The protagonist, Tambu, undergoes a nuanced journey of self-discovery and resistance against patriarchal norms, reflecting the struggles faced by many African women in a rapidly evolving society. Dangarembga’s attention to Tambu’s internal conflicts and external challenges contributes to the realism of the story.
   • Realism in Language and Dialogue: The use of Zimbabwean English and indigenous languages in the dialogue enriches the authenticity of the characters and their cultural backgrounds. Dangarembga’s incorporation of local idioms and expressions adds layers of realism to the narrative, grounding it in its cultural context.

Realism: Relevant Terms

Term	Definition
Anarchy	Lack of central authority in international politics.
Balance of Power	Equilibrium of power among states to prevent dominance.
National Interest	State’s primary goals (security, power, etc.).
Power	Ability to influence or control other states.
Rational Actor	States make decisions based on self-interest.
Realpolitik	Pragmatic politics driven by power, not ideals.
Security Dilemma	Actions to boost security can backfire, making all less secure.
Self-help	States can only rely on themselves for security.
State-centrism	States are the primary actors on the world stage.
Zero-sum game	One state’s gain is another’s loss.

Realism: Suggested Readings

1. Eliot, George. Middlemarch. Penguin Classics, 2003.
2. Flaubert, Gustave. Madame Bovary. Translated by Lydia Davis, Penguin Books, 2010.
3. Sinclair, Upton. The Jungle. Dover Publications, 2001.
4. Crane, Stephen. The Red Badge of Courage. Dover Publications, 1990.
5. Tolstoy, Leo. Anna Karenina. Translated by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky, Penguin Classics, 2004.
6. Zola, Émile. Germinal. Translated by Peter Collier, Oxford University Press, 2008.
7. Machiavelli, Niccolò. The Prince. Translated by George Bull, Penguin Classics, 2003.
8. Hobbes, Thomas. Leviathan. Edited by Richard Tuck, Cambridge University Press, 1996.
9. Morgenthau, Hans. Politics Among Nations: The Struggle for Power and Peace. Knopf, 1948.
10. Carr, E.H. The Twenty Years’ Crisis, 1919-1939: An Introduction to the Study of International Relations. Palgrave Macmillan, 2001.