Realism and Naturalism: Literary Movements Explained

Realism: A Shift in Worldview (1850 Onwards)

Realism emerged as a reaction against Romanticism, replacing its idealism with a focus on observable reality. The movement was driven by several key factors:

1. Positivism

A philosophical theory asserting that humans must dispense with theological and metaphysical concerns, focusing instead on external reality ascertainable by the senses.

2. Exaltation of Science

Everything must be based on demonstrable facts. This shift gave rise to two new novelistic genres:

• Detective Fiction: Exemplified by Sherlock Holmes.
• Science Fiction: Popularized by the works of Jules Verne.

3. Determinism

The belief that humans are not entirely free, but are subject to social circumstances and biological inheritance.

4. Society and Capitalism

The middle class thrived on industrial progress, leading to the rise of capitalism and significant economic disparities within the population.

Key Features of Realism

• Description of Reality: A focus on the tangible world.
• Objective Perspective: The world is reflected from an impersonal viewpoint, often featuring bourgeois characters and deep psychological analysis.
• Omniscient Narrator: The storyteller possesses total knowledge of the characters and events.

When the presentation of reality emphasizes its unpleasant or repulsive aspects, the movement is defined as Naturalism. Notable representatives include Charles Dickens and Emilia Pardo Bazán.

Common Themes in Realism and Naturalism

1. Love and Social Conflict

Exploration of complex relationships, such as forbidden love or conflicts involving the clergy. Examples: Mother Nature (Pardo Bazán), La Regenta (Clarín).

2. Marriage and Adultery

The fatal consequences of adultery, particularly for women. While men were often excused as "Don Juans" or libertines, women faced harsh social judgment. Examples: La Regenta (Clarín), Anna Karenina (Tolstoy).

3. Dualistic Approaches to Life

The literature often contrasts opposing ideas:

• Clerical vs. Anti-clerical: Conservative versus progressive viewpoints.
• Country vs. City: The countryside is often idealized as a place of virtue, while the city is portrayed as a negative, corrupting environment.

Narrative Styles

• Direct Style: Uses dialogue. Example: "What time is it?" said Maria.
• Indirect Style: Used in stories or tales. Example: Maria wondered what time it was.
• Free Indirect Style: Popularized by Galdós. Example: Maria said, "What time is it?"