Definition of Realism

The writing style and genre of Realism first began to appear in American literature from the years 1850 to 1910 ("Regionalism" 486). This style of writing has greatly shaped and changed modern writing styles, but it was developed during the trying times of the Civil War. Since this gruesome war discouraged and demolished hope and happiness in many people, their writing was directly affected. As different as the literary philosophies of the previously popular Romanticism and Realism sound, they were directly reliant on each other. This is of course to say that the genre of Realism evolved from the Romantic philosophy. Really the only difference between the two was the real function of of literature. The main goal of realism writing is to depict the world as it truly is rather than how the author may want it to be in the present or the future (Werlock). While Romantic writers focused on the more imaginary and wishful part of writing, Realism writers seem to stress the importance of real world appearance that appeals to the senses. As stated earlier, the Civil War had the largest impact over this evolution in American literature. It shifted the bright minds of the Romanticism period to the somewhat downtrodden thoughts and writings of the Realism writers. According to the traits of the Realism period provided by Abby Werlock such as illustrating the present as it truly appears and attempting to accurately document the rapidly changing times, the "hero" of the Realism period could be described as almost a normal, general, middle class man. This would be a man who has a normal, everyday occupation, such as a farmer, and he helps his community. Realism's idea of the American Dream is intertwined into the aspect of a hero in this genre. As seen in the short story "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," the "hero" of the story steps up to help out his fellow man, or at least attempts to. The real American Dream is rising to an important occasion in life and meeting a common and difficult challenge for the common man. In Bierce's story, this hero is ambushed and hanged which demonstrates excellent traits of realism (Bierce). It shows that even if one tries their best, it still may not be good enough.

Bierce, Ambrose. "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge." American Literature. Copm. Jeffery D. Wilhelm. Columbus: McGraw Hill, 2009. 389-396. Print. 28 Jan 2011.

"Regionalism and Realism." American Literature. Comp. Jeffery D. Wilhelm. Columbus: McGraw Hill, 2009. 486-494. Print. 26 Jan 2011.

Werlock, Abby H. P. "realism." The Facts On File Companion to the American Short Story, Second Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2009. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE54&SID=5&iPin= Gamshrtsty0575&SingleRecord=True (accessed January 26, 2011).