Realism through 21st Century Eyes

Abstract

Since the mid-19th century, a new form of literature took birth that rejected artificiality and presented the conventional in fresh yet insightful ways. Realist writers took inspiration from works of artists such as Gustave Courbet who approached the present realities of contemporary society and its social, economic, and political aspects. They aimed to portray their characters and circumstances that could be relatable to the reader, rather than relying on romanticized portrayals. This shift in literary representation aligned with Courbet's belief in presenting the unvarnished truth, devoid of any embellishment which paved the way for an unfiltered representation of reality in various artistic forms. These writers employed detailed observations and incorporated elements such as social customs, dialects, etc to provide a more authentic representation and enrich a reader’s experience. Realist literature exposes social injustices and inequalities while championing the importance of individual perspectives and depicting nuanced human conditions. Through a more socially engaged form of storytelling, it allows subsequent generations of writers to delve into unexplored areas and find their stories. Through this study, I identify the message and societal settings of various years by understanding the theme of stories written by famous realist writers, unveiling the hidden metaphors, symbols and social questions that it raises. Along with addressing the significance of realism, this paper also elaborates upon how the movement catalyzed a change in narration techniques and theme dynamics. This paper accentuates the existing relevance of realism within the tapestry of literature.