6.3 American realism: Twain, James, and Wharton

American realism in literature emerged as a powerful movement in the late 19th century. Writers like Mark Twain, Henry James, and Edith Wharton captured the everyday lives and social norms of Americans, offering a window into the era's realities.

These authors used different styles to critique society. Twain's humor and satire, James's psychological depth, and Wharton's precise observations of upper-class life all shed light on the complexities of American culture during this transformative period.

American Society and Culture in Literature

Portrayal of Everyday Life and Social Norms

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• American realist literature depicts the everyday lives, struggles, and social norms of middle and upper-class Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
• These works offer a window into the social, cultural, and economic realities of the time period
• Authors capture the authentic experiences and challenges faced by individuals within their respective social classes
• Realist literature often focuses on the mundane aspects of daily life, such as work, relationships, and family dynamics

Satirical Critique and Social Commentary

• Mark Twain's works, such as "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "The Gilded Age," satirize and critique American society
• Twain addresses issues of racism (treatment of African Americans), hypocrisy (religious and moral double standards), and corruption (political and economic exploitation)
• Through humor and irony, Twain exposes the flaws and contradictions within American society
• His works serve as a commentary on the need for social reform and greater equality

Psychological Depth and Social Interactions

• Henry James's novels, including "The Portrait of a Lady" and "The Ambassadors," explore the complex social interactions and psychological depths of upper-class American and European characters
• James delves into the inner lives, motivations, and conflicts of his characters, often through the use of interior monologue and free indirect discourse
• His works examine the social expectations, cultural differences, and personal desires that shape individual experiences and relationships
• James's novels often feature characters navigating the complexities of social norms and expectations, both within America and abroad (Europe)

Upper-Class Society and Social Conventions

• Edith Wharton's novels, such as "The Age of Innocence" and "The House of Mirth," examine the rigid social conventions and expectations of New York's upper-class society in the late 19th century
• Wharton portrays the strict social hierarchies, gender roles, and cultural norms that governed the lives of the wealthy and privileged
• Her works explore the consequences of conforming to or defying these social conventions, particularly for women
• Wharton's novels often feature characters struggling to find personal fulfillment and authenticity within the confines of their social class and expectations

Realism in American Literature

Use of Regional Dialects

• American realist writers employ regional dialects to capture the authentic speech patterns and linguistic nuances of specific geographic areas and social classes
• Mark Twain's use of regional dialects, particularly in "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," adds depth and realism to his characters and settings
• Dialects help to establish a sense of place and cultural identity within the works
• The inclusion of regional speech patterns also serves to challenge the dominance of standard English and celebrate linguistic diversity

Social Commentary and Critique

• Social commentary is a key feature of American realist literature, as authors critique and expose the flaws, inequalities, and hypocrisies of American society
• Writers address issues such as poverty, racism, gender inequality, and political corruption
• Through their works, realist authors aim to raise awareness of social problems and advocate for change
• Social commentary often takes the form of subtle critiques embedded within character interactions, plot developments, and descriptive passages

Irony as a Literary Device

• Irony is frequently used in American realist works to underscore the discrepancies between appearance and reality, as well as to highlight the absurdities and contradictions within society
• Authors employ situational irony (when the outcome of a situation is the opposite of what is expected) and verbal irony (when a character's words convey a meaning contrary to their literal interpretation)
• Henry James and Edith Wharton often employ irony to reveal the hidden motives, desires, and conflicts of their characters, as well as to comment on the social norms and expectations of their time
• Irony serves as a means of social critique, exposing the gap between ideals and reality, and prompting readers to question the status quo

Authentic Representation of Reality

• American realist writers strive to present a truthful and unvarnished portrayal of reality in their works
• They reject the idealization and sentimentality of earlier literary movements, such as Romanticism
• Realist authors focus on the ordinary, the commonplace, and the everyday experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds
• By presenting a realistic depiction of American life, these writers aim to foster a deeper understanding of the human condition and the complexities of modern society

Gender and Class in American Literature

Gender Roles and Expectations

• Gender roles and expectations play a significant role in shaping the experiences, choices, and fates of characters in the works of Henry James and Edith Wharton
• Women in these novels often struggle with the limitations and expectations placed upon them by society, while seeking to assert their independence and agency
• James's female characters, such as Isabel Archer in "The Portrait of a Lady," grapple with the tension between personal desires and societal norms
• Wharton's novels frequently explore the ways in which women navigate and challenge the restrictive social expectations of upper-class society, as seen in the experiences of Lily Bart in "The House of Mirth" and Ellen Olenska in "The Age of Innocence"

Class Hierarchy and Social Mobility

• Social class is a central theme in the works of James and Wharton, as their characters are often defined and constrained by their position within the rigid class hierarchy of their time
• The tensions and conflicts that arise from class differences and the desire for social mobility are explored in novels such as James's "The American" and Wharton's "The Custom of the Country"
• Characters from lower or middle-class backgrounds, such as Christopher Newman in "The American," often struggle to gain acceptance and status within the upper echelons of society
• The rigid class structures and social expectations of the time period serve as barriers to individual happiness and fulfillment

Intersection of Gender and Class

• The experiences of women in James and Wharton's novels are often shaped by the intersection of their gender and social class
• Upper-class women, while privileged in terms of wealth and status, are nonetheless confined by the expectations and limitations placed upon their gender
• Lower and middle-class women face additional challenges and barriers to social mobility and personal autonomy
• The works of James and Wharton explore the ways in which gender and class intersect to shape individual identities, relationships, and life choices

Social Critique and Reform

• Through their portrayal of gender and class issues, James and Wharton offer a critique of the social inequalities and constraints of their time
• Their novels expose the limitations and injustices faced by women and individuals from lower social classes
• By highlighting these issues, the authors raise questions about the need for social reform and greater gender and class equality
• The experiences and struggles of their characters serve as a commentary on the broader social, cultural, and political contexts of late 19th and early 20th century America

Twain vs James vs Wharton: Literary Styles

Mark Twain's Humor and Satire

• Mark Twain's writing is characterized by his use of humor, satire, and colloquial language
• He employs wit, irony, and exaggeration to expose and critique the flaws and absurdities of American society
• Twain's humor often serves as a means of social commentary, highlighting issues such as racism, hypocrisy, and corruption
• His use of colloquial language and regional dialects adds authenticity and depth to his characters and settings

Henry James's Psychological Depth

• Henry James's style is known for its psychological depth, complex sentence structures, and intricate explorations of character consciousness and motivation
• He employs techniques such as interior monologue and free indirect discourse to delve into the inner lives and thoughts of his characters
• James's works often feature lengthy, introspective passages that explore the nuances of human behavior and relationships
• His style is characterized by a focus on the subtle, unspoken tensions and conflicts that shape individual experiences and interactions

Edith Wharton's Social Critique and Precision

• Edith Wharton's prose is marked by its elegance, precision, and keen observations of social nuances and interactions
• She employs a sharp, analytical eye to dissect the customs, hierarchies, and expectations of upper-class society
• Wharton's writing often features a sense of detachment and irony, as she exposes the superficiality and limitations of the social world her characters inhabit
• Her works are characterized by a focus on the inner lives and conflicts of her characters, particularly women, as they navigate the constraints of their social roles and expectations

Differences in Focus and Subject Matter

• While all three authors are considered American realists, they differ in their focus and subject matter
• Twain's works often focus on the experiences of lower and middle-class characters, such as Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer, and explore themes of freedom, individuality, and social justice
• James and Wharton, on the other hand, primarily explore the lives and struggles of upper-class individuals, with a focus on the psychological and social complexities of their experiences
• James's works often feature Americans abroad, exploring themes of cultural identity, social expectations, and personal growth
• Wharton's novels are firmly rooted in the upper echelons of New York society, examining the rigid social codes and expectations that shape individual lives and relationships