Realism

Would you rather speak only in a high pitched Chipmunk voice or only in a stereotypical robot voice for the rest of the day?

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Realism: The Story of an Hour

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For Today:

We will learn about the elements of Realism. We will learn about Kate Chopin. We will read "The Story of an Hour." We will identify the elements of realism in "The Story of an Hour."

Realism

Realism came as a sort of response to Romanticism. Romanticism was idealized, emotional, and fantastical. Realism is a contrast to that--grounded in reality, portraying everyday life in a grounded, truthful way.

Some elements of realism in "The Story of an Hour"

Complex, Flawed Characters

Ordinary People

Social Constraints and Exploration

Realistic, Regional Settings

Straightforward Language

Everyday situations-- marriage, family, social life.

Characters often have internal conflicts.

No dramatic, flowery style

Especially for women

Kate Chopin

• American author known for bold, realistic portrayals of women’s lives in the 19th century
• Born in 1850 in St. Louis, Missouri; had a diverse cultural background (French and Irish heritage)
• Life defined by personal tragedy-- father died in a railroad accident and was a widowed mother of 6 at 32.
• Best known for her novel The Awakening, which explores female independence and identity
• Her work often challenged traditional gender roles and social expectations of her time
• Faced criticism during her life for controversial themes, especially about women’s autonomy
• Today, she’s considered a pioneer of early feminist literature and widely studied in schools

Let's read! (Click here)

For Tomorrow: A closer look at realism