Jennifer Clagett

SLM 521

Web Drop In #3

Realism in American Literature

Introduction:

We are going to begin studying the Realism movement in American Literature. The Realism movement followed Romanticism, and took place roughly between 1865-1910. In this activity, you will learn more about the Realism movement and the historical events that shaped it.

But first...

Consider the term "realism." What do you think this movement was all about? If someone described an author as a realist, what would you expect that author would write about? What kind of style would that author have? What would influence his writing? Write your response in your journal.

Activity:

Visit PBS's American Novel Literary Timeline.

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americannovel/timeline/index.html

1. Find the Realism movement on the timeline. Using the drop-down menus at the top of the timeline, select "Realism" from the Literary Movements menu. Read the short paragraph, and take a few notes about what the movement stood for.

2. Hit the back button on your browser, and return to the timeline. Notice that historical events are located at the bottom of the timeline. What events precede Realism? Write down these events on a piece of paper.

3. What do you already know about these events? What haven't you heard of before? Conduct a web search to learn more about the events that took place before Realism became popular. Take notes on your findings, and cite the web sources you use.

4. How do you think that historical events helped change the popular thinking of the time? Reflect on the differences between Realism and Romanticism. How did events that took place at the end of the Romantic period help bring about the shift in thought? Write your answer in a paragraph form.