Introduction to Realism Movement in American Literature

In order to gain a fuller understanding of the American transformations of literature, it is essential to first explore and comprehend one of the most important literary movements known as the Realist Movement. This movement which includes many of America’s most influential authors such as Mark Twain, Kate Chopin, and Upton Sinclair help to explain the evolution of literary processes as they unraveled throughout the nineteenth century. As a crucial part of America’s history, the study of the subject can also expand ones knowledge on the many social, cultural, and generational perspectives of the times. We will learn that the rise of realism in literature cannot be minimized to simply a literary tactic, but we will see instead that it was a way of life which completely dominated the nation’s atmosphere. It was a way of life that stood in very sharp contrast to the preceding literary movements such as the Romantic Movement. Unlike the Romantics, the realist’s loyal reporting on the grim reality of everyday life caused a deep schism from the traditional standards of literature. As we utilize all of this information, we can gain a richer experience in all of our readings.