Riley Clark Mr.Williams Honors ELA 2 23 February 2024 Realism and Naturalism Realism and naturalism are two separate but closely linked literary movements that began in the 19th century. These literary movements sought to capture the complexities of human existence and society with an eye for detail and emphasis on portraying life as it is. In exploring these movements, three notable works stand out: “The Outcasts of Poker Flat” by Bret Harte, “Richard Cory” by E.A. Robinson, and “Miniver Cheevy” by E.A. Robinson. These works dive into the harsh realities of life, showcasing the triumphs and tragedies that shape a human. “The Outcasts of Poker Flat” epitomizes realism through its portrayal of a diverse group of individuals banished from society. …show more content…
Harte included this in his work because he wants us to understand just how dangerous traveling through the mountains can be. Physical limitation, “And pulseless and cold, with a Derringer by his side and a bullet in his heart, though still calm as in life, beneath the snow lay he who was at once the strongest and yet the weakest of the outcasts of Poker Flat”(458). The author shows how Oakhurst wasn’t strong enough to let himself freeze to death and how he would rather kill himself than freeze. Social Conflict, “A body of armed men accompanied the deported wickedness of Poker Flat to the outskirts of the settlement”(452). The characters are kicked out of their society for being different from everyone else or if they had made mistakes and Harte is showing that if you do not live up to society's standards you will be punished for it. In stark contrast, Edwin Arlington Robinson’s poem, “Richard Cory” explores the disillusionment that can arise from …show more content…
Economics, “And he was rich—yes, richer than a king—And admirably schooled in every grace”(Stanza 3). Even though he was rich, he still felt unhappy and unfulfilled. This exploration of the gap between perception and reality aligns with the naturalistic theme of life’s inherent unpredictability and the inability to escape one’s fate. “Miniver Cheevy” further delves into the naturalistic portrayal of individuals trapped by their circumstances. Robinson’s character, Miniver Cheevy, yearns for a past era, unable to cope with the challenges of the present. Heredity, ““Miniver Cheevy, child of scorn,Grew lean while he assailed the seasons;He wept that he was ever born, And he had reasons”(Stanza 1). Miniver Cheevy is so stubborn he will not accept his fate, instead of trying to fix his own life he wallows in self-pity. Economics, “Miniver scorned the gold he sought, But sore annoyed was he without it;Miniver thought, and thought, and thought, And thought about it”(Stanza
How the Art of Naturalism Conveys Realism Beginning in the mid-nineteenth century, Realism brought a new genre of literature to people worldwide. The creation of Realism allows readers to experience a real connection with a work through the authentic ideals spread through it. It proved different from the literature of Romanticism that most people were accustomed to reading at the time. Instead of presenting as inspiring and bright, Realism describes dark and depressing sides of life as a way of pushing
In looking toward the mythos of the West circa the Gold Rush, one may come able to forget that the myth must have started somewhere. It is in this that Bret Harte’s short story “The Outcasts of Poker Flats” had define America by exploring a story on the happenings of Gold Rush California, a tragic tale of outcasts who would succumb both to themselves and the wilderness of California alongside an ill-fated pair of lovers. In doing this, Harte had come to describe an odd camaraderie between these individuals
Regionalism and naturalism are two different types of American literature. Naturalism focuses on the philosophical or scientific ideas whereas regionalism is about he characteristics of a specific region. Bret Harte and Willa Cather are regionalist authors who use the setting to put emphasis in their stories. Furthermore, Mark Twain is a naturalist writer. Twain attempts to use lower class citizens to get across a bigger point. Harte also uses minorities. However, he focuses on how the region
anesthetic” (Ethan From 7). Naturalism and realism, a movement that occurred in the late 19th century and early 20th century, lived to cause great importance in literature. This movement showcased a character’s moral and rational qualities in conflicts that allowed many authors to take advantage of it for their works of literature (britannica.com). The three works that I will be discussing include Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton, The Jungle by Upton Sinclair, and The Outcasts of Poker Flats. Countless authors
and frightening this may be, man is in essence a byproduct of the environment and its conditions. “The Open Boat” by Stephen Crane displays a theme commonly found in naturalistic works of literature (517). According to “Realism in the Frontier,” naturalism begins in the late 19th century and continues into the early 20th century as philosophical
People undergo changes with every passing generation, but literature has remained a constant driving force throughout. There are four fundamental classifications of literature: Romanticism, Realism, Naturalism, and Existentialism. Romanticism centers around "art as inspiration, the spiritual and aesthetic dimension of nature, and metaphors of organic growth" (VanSpanckeren, "The Romantic Period: Essayists and Poets"). VanSpanckeren states that Ralph Waldo Emerson, one of the most influential writers