Researchers at the University of Copenhagen analyzed over 3.5 million novels to accentuate a deep gender bias in literature. The study concluded, “Women are twice as likely as men to be described by their physical attributes—'beautiful' and’'sexy’ being the top two adjectives used for women. Conversely, men are most commonly described by their actions and attitudes—'righteous,’ ‘rational,’ and ‘brave,’ being the most common.” The University of Copenhagen's analysis underscores how gender biases in literature likely shaped realism and naturalism in the 19th century, with authors often portraying female characters based on physical attributes, reflecting prevailing societal norms. Works like "Ethan Frome," "The Outcasts of Poker Flats," and "Story …show more content…
Coincidingly, Naturalism emerged later, building on the foundation of Realism and exploring even deeper into the harsh realities of life. Realism explored how genetics and environment influenced individuals, and it often depicted the struggles of the working class and the underprivileged. The societal changes of the time, including industrialization and urbanization, shaped both movements, and they sought to depict the truth in art and literature without embellishing or romanticizing it. Overall, these literary movements attempted to capture the essence of life and depict the human experience in its rawest form. Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton, “The Outcasts of Poker Flats” by Bret Harte, and “Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin offer a distinctive lens through which an audience can scrutinize the complexities of gender roles. In realist and naturalistic literature, the exploration of gender conflict profoundly manifests the nuanced struggles and societal constraints faced by …show more content…
Through nuanced character portrayals and insightful narrative exploration, realist and naturalistic literature delves into the complexities of gender conflict, shedding light on the multifaceted struggles and societal impositions endured by women, as exemplified in Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour" through Louise Mallard's introspective journey and the societal expectations imposed upon her. The research conducted by the University of Copenhagen, which reveals gender bias in literature, resonates profoundly with the thematic explorations evident in the realist and naturalistic literature of the 19th century. Literary works such as Ethan Frome, "The Outcasts of Poker Flat," and “The Story of an Hour" vividly portrayed the intricate interplay between societal expectations and individual agency concerning gender
Naturalism obtained within Realism occurs in Edith Wharton’s novel, Ethan Frome. In the novel, the protagonist, Ethan Frome, finds himself stuck in his hometown of Starkfield, Massachusetts. He resides in his family’s farmhouse with his extremely ill wife, Zeena. Ethan has become tired of his boring life with Zeena and finds a new, passionate love with Zeena’s cousin, Mattie, who has come to live with them and care for Zeena. When Ethan and Mattie attempt to run off together, they get into a major accident
conflict within the novel, more information on naturalistic conflict within Ethan’s life, is given to Wharton’s readers. All three of these illustrations of naturalistic conflict help build upon the recurring idea of Ethan Frome’s poor monetary situation. The Outcasts of Poker Flat is a short story written by Bret Harte showcasing the harsh life in the American West. In his narrative, environmental conflict unfolds as a group of outlaws faces their demise in the harsh conditions of the Sierra Nevada