Realism Literature vs. Victorian Literature

Attribute	Realism Literature	Victorian Literature
Time Period	19th century	19th century
Main Focus	Depiction of everyday life	Morality, social issues
Writing Style	Objective, detailed	Ornate, elaborate
Themes	Realism, truth, authenticity	Class, gender, social norms
Authors	Gustave Flaubert, Leo Tolstoy	Charles Dickens, Charlotte Bronte

Introduction

Realism literature and Victorian literature are two distinct literary movements that emerged during different time periods. While both movements share some similarities, they also have key differences in terms of themes, writing styles, and social contexts. In this article, we will explore the attributes of realism literature and Victorian literature to better understand their unique characteristics.

Themes

Realism literature is characterized by its focus on depicting everyday life and ordinary people in a realistic manner. Writers of realism literature often explore themes such as social class, morality, and the struggles of the working class. On the other hand, Victorian literature is known for its emphasis on moral values, social issues, and the exploration of human nature. Victorian writers often tackled themes such as love, marriage, family, and the role of women in society.

Writing Styles

Realism literature is known for its straightforward and objective writing style. Realist writers aim to present the world as it is, without romanticizing or idealizing it. They often use precise language and detailed descriptions to create a sense of realism in their works. In contrast, Victorian literature is characterized by its ornate and elaborate writing style. Victorian writers often used complex language, intricate plots, and rich symbolism to convey their ideas and themes.

Social Context

Realism literature emerged in the mid-19th century as a response to the social and political changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution. Realist writers sought to capture the realities of everyday life in a rapidly changing society. They often critiqued social injustices and inequalities, shedding light on the struggles of the working class. On the other hand, Victorian literature flourished during the reign of Queen Victoria in the 19th century. Victorian writers were influenced by the values and ideals of the Victorian era, which emphasized morality, propriety, and social order.

Characterization

In realism literature, characters are often depicted as ordinary individuals facing everyday challenges and dilemmas. Realist writers focus on creating believable and relatable characters that readers can empathize with. These characters are often flawed and complex, reflecting the complexities of human nature. In Victorian literature, characters are often larger than life and represent archetypes or symbols of certain social or moral values. Victorian writers frequently used character types such as the hero, the villain, the damsel in distress, and the wise mentor to convey their themes and messages.

Setting

Realism literature is often set in familiar and recognizable locations, such as cities, towns, and rural landscapes. Realist writers aim to capture the details of everyday life and the nuances of different social environments. They often use specific settings to enhance the realism of their narratives. In contrast, Victorian literature often features elaborate and fantastical settings that serve as symbolic or allegorical representations of the themes and ideas explored in the works. Victorian writers frequently used exotic or historical settings to create a sense of escapism and fantasy for their readers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, realism literature and Victorian literature are two distinct literary movements with their own unique attributes and characteristics. While realism literature focuses on depicting everyday life in a realistic and objective manner, Victorian literature emphasizes moral values, social issues, and the exploration of human nature. Both movements have made significant contributions to the world of literature and continue to be studied and appreciated by readers and scholars alike.