Realism and Naturalism

1
Realism and Naturalism

• In American Literature

2
Realism and Naturalism

• 1865-1914
• During the half century following the Civil War
• US faced many difficulties
• Rapid rise in industrialism
• Large cities

3
Cultural Trends in This Period

• The standard of living changed dramatically
• The frontier began disappearing
• Spiritual value deteriorated

4
Difficulties in This Period

• A period of Reconstruction
• Financial and political scandals
• The Chicago fire

5
Industrialization Caused

• Growth of towns
• Growth of labor unions
• Assumption of leadership by American businessmen

6
Masters of Realism

• W.D. Howells
• Henry James
• Samuel L. Clemens (Mark Twain)

7
Mark Twain

• 1835Missouri
• Trained as riverboat pilot
• Pen name safe water
• Humorist, lecturer, journalist, author
• Nationally recognized in his time

8
Mark Twain

• Tom Sawyer
• Huck Finn
• Rich themes of river and boyhood
• Mississippi River
• Loved words
• Magical power with language

9
The..Jumping Frog

• Setting
• Characters
• Plot
• Point of view