As an expert in the field of literature and art, I am well-versed in the nuances of various artistic movements and their impact on the cultural landscape. Realism in English is a literary and artistic movement that emerged in the mid-19th century as a response to the prevailing Romanticism of the time. It is characterized by a commitment to depict life as it is, without embellishment or idealization. Realist artists and writers sought to capture the essence of everyday life, focusing on ordinary people and their experiences.

Realism is defined by its fidelity to the observable world, with an emphasis on the truthful representation of ordinary people, places, and events. Realist painters, such as Gustave Courbet and Édouard Manet, rejected the historical, mythological, and religious subjects that were popular in academic art. Instead, they chose to depict scenes from contemporary life, often with a critical or satirical edge. Similarly, realist writers, including Honoré de Balzac, George Eliot, and Leo Tolstoy, aimed to portray characters and settings with a high degree of accuracy and detail, often highlighting the social and moral complexities of their time.

The movement was a reaction against the idealized and sometimes fantastical portrayals of life that were typical of Romanticism. Realists believed that art should reflect the realities of the world, including its harshness and injustices, rather than presenting an idealized or escapist vision. This approach led to a greater focus on the lives of the working class and the exploration of social issues such as poverty, inequality, and the impact of industrialization.

Realism in literature is marked by a detailed and accurate description of characters and settings, often with a deep exploration of the psychological motivations of characters. The narrative style is typically objective and detached, with an emphasis on showing rather than telling. This allows readers to draw their own conclusions about the characters and events depicted in the work.

In both literature and the visual arts, realism was not just a stylistic choice but also a philosophical stance. It represented a belief in the power of art to reveal truths about society and the human condition. Realist works often carry a social message or critique, aiming to provoke thought and discussion about the issues they depict.

The influence of realism can still be seen in contemporary art and literature, where many artists and writers continue to explore the complexities of the human experience and the social world in a realistic and often critical manner.

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realism definition. An attempt to make art and literature resemble life. Realist painters and writers take their subjects from the world around them (instead of from idealized subjects, such as figures in mythology or folklore) and try to represent them in a lifelike manner.read more >>