Definition of Regionalism

The writing subgenre of regionalism is mainly based on the writers location rather than their thoughts and ideals. Of course, these play a large role in their writing, but regionalism is this impact provided by the location of the writer. Regionalism could be briefly defined as, "A literary subgenre that emphasizes the setting, history, speech, dialect, and customs of a particular geographical locale or area, not only for local color, but also for the development of universal themes through the use of the local and particular" (Werlock). Werlock does an excellent job of summing up this style of writing as both functional and cultural. For example, this idea may be effective in an area such as the Midwest. The writer may incorporate many descriptions of the landscape, people, and towns themselves. This literature would have a completely different tone and mood to it than writing from the Northwest for instance because of the varying and diverse local differences. One could almost say that this approach to writing paints a sort of picture of the spot from which it is written. However, this is a dramatic and ever developing picture that relates to the characters in which it is centered around (Anderson). These authors, such as Edgar Lee Masters (Anderson), have a very open outlook on life and writing that is certainly subject to change, It truly depends on the outlook of society in the particular area in which they are writing from. Along with this idea of the writing depending n the region, the "hero" of regionalistic literature depends on this as well. However, the hero, like the rest of the realism genre, is typically a middle class man who reaches out to do well in his community. The word "community" is especially important there because the heroic character is based solely on his community. This system of writing really all developed from the aftermath of the Civil War and especially in the "New South." Since the South was becoming more economically independent, the citizens tended to stay located only around their community, and these communities became very close knit and culturally rich. As for the American Dream defined by regionalism, it is up for the townspeople to decide. For example, if the town is very militarily based, the popular route may be to become a key general. However, there is one basic factor that almost everybody wants, and that is some sort of recognition.

Anderson, George P., Judith S. Baughman, Matthew J. Bruccoli, and Carl Rollyson, eds."regionalism." Encyclopedia of American Literature: Into the Modern: 1896–1945, vol. 3, Revised Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2008. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE54&SID=5&iPin= EAmL1330&SingleRecord=True (accessed January 28, 2011).

Werlock, Abby H. P. "regionalism." 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= Gamshrtsty0581&SingleRecord=True (accessed January 28, 2011).