Realism Denfined

Realism, a popular writing style used by various significant authors, determined a factual basis for writing. The style is said retain "nothing more and nothing less than the truthful treatment of material," as stated by William Dean Howells; a prominent author who often used the Realism writing formation (Barney). Following the Civil-War era, various authors began to use this modern style of writing (Barney). The style of writing could be a particular response to the new-found inspiration of factual material. Dialect, Local Color, and Pragmatism were common usages during this Realism time period (Barney). Because of this usage, successful writers obtained the use of actuality in their definitive writing style. This style embodied one's use of factual material and the differentiation of writing from a Romantic response to a particularly realistic approach (Barney).

With the contrasting usage in Realism, readers who are accustomed to the Romanticism style will be rightfully displeased by the unrelated dialect. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn display these common aspects of a factual-based writing style (Barney). The novel, written by Realist writer Mark Twain, represents heavy dialect in the "uneducated" protagonist, Huck Finn (Barney). Because of this source of realistic writing, one may see an eventful yet factual representation of a definitive character and his or her actual motives and actions. This is a common occurrence throughout the Realism period. Because of authors such as Twain and Howells, a supportive reader may discover an adequate display of the writing style (Barney).

Between 1865 and the 1890's, following the Civil-War era, Realism made its definitive approach in the literary community (Barney). Various authors believe that factual information was to be displayed, and that Romantic pieces, which retained much significance, display inappropriateness in the altering literary community (Barney). Multiple Realism pieces gained much success for the use of strong dialect and pragmatism. Because of this, a newly connected writing style was established, which defined the altering community in the time of Reconstruction. A time of actuality was needed and Realism provided this sufficiently.


Barney, Brett, and Lisa Paddock, eds. "realism." Encyclopedia of American Literature: The Age of Romanticism and Realism, 1816–1895, vol. 2, Revised Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2008. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE54&SID=5&iPin= EAmL0738&SingleRecord=True (accessed January 27, 2011).