Explained: What is Realism?
Realism is a philosophical and artistic movement that emphasis the representation of objective reality and thereby omitting the superfluous elements. Artists, authors and writers associated with realism refrain from using flowery language along with out-of-the world setting and exceptional characters. The works of realism focuses on rather everyday ordinary and mundane events.
Realism is a philosophical and artistic movement that emphasis the representation of objective reality and thereby omitting the superfluous elements. Artists, authors and writers associated with realism refrain from using flowery language along with out-of-the world setting and exceptional characters. The works of realism focuses on rather everyday ordinary and mundane events.
History
The history of Realism can be dated back to 19th Century as a response to romanticism and idealism which preceded the previous era. Romanticism was a cultural, artistic, and intellectual movement that originated in the late 18th century and flourished throughout the 19th century. It emerged as a response to the rationalism and empiricism of the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution. Romanticism placed emphasis on individual emotions, imagination, nature, and the supernatural, rejecting the ideals of reason, order, and scientific objectivity that characterized the preceding era.
On the other hand, Idealism is a philosophical perspective that asserts the primacy of ideas, concepts, or the mind in understanding reality. It posits that reality, including the physical world and human experiences, is fundamentally shaped by mental or conceptual constructs. Idealism stands in contrast to materialism, which asserts that the physical world is the ultimate reality.
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Characteristics of Realism
Objectivity: Realism places a premium on objectivity and accuracy in portraying the external world. It aims to represent reality faithfully, without distorting or romanticizing it. Realist artists and writers pay attention to details, everyday life, and ordinary people, reflecting the complexities and nuances of the human experience.
Representation of Ordinary Life: Realism emphasizes the depiction of everyday life and the experiences of ordinary people. It gives voice to individuals from diverse social backgrounds and highlights their stories. Realist literature and art often explore the struggles, aspirations, and emotions of common people, aiming to foster empathy and understanding.
Naturalistic Detail: Realism often includes a focus on naturalistic detail, capturing the specific characteristics of people, objects, and environments. Realist artists pay close attention to light, color, texture, and perspective, striving for a high level of technical skill and precision in their representation of the world.
Rejection of Idealization: Realism rejects the tendency to idealize or romanticize subjects. It seeks to break away from the romantic and idealistic portrayals prevalent in earlier periods. Instead, realists focus on representing life as it is, portraying both the positives and negatives, the ordinary and mundane, and the struggles and triumphs of everyday existence.
Social and Political Critique: Realism often incorporates social and political critique into its works. Realist writers and artists explore the social conditions, inequalities, and injustices of their time. They highlight the realities faced by marginalized individuals and address social issues, such as poverty, class struggle, and industrialization.
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Legacy of Realism
Realism challenged the traditional artistic and literary conventions prevalent during its time. It defied the idealized and romanticized portrayals that dominated earlier periods, encouraging artists and writers to explore the realities of everyday life and the complexities of the human condition.
This departure from the status quo opened up new possibilities for artistic expression and expanded the range of subjects deemed worthy of artistic representation. It also brought about a shift in the portrayal of society and social issues.
Realist writers and artists focused on the lives of ordinary people, shedding light on social inequalities, poverty, and the consequences of industrialization. By representing society as it truly was, realism served as a catalyst for social awareness, sparking discussions and calls for reform.
Realism in Literature and Art
Realism in literature delved into the psychological depth of characters, exploring their motivations, fears, and aspirations. This emphasis on nuanced character development influenced subsequent literary movements and provided a more complex and realistic portrayal of human nature. Realist novels presented characters who were flawed, multi-dimensional, and shaped by their social contexts, offering readers a more relatable and empathetic understanding of the human experience.
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