American Realism: The Civil War to 1914
Elements of Realism
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Rejection of the idealized, larger-than-life hero of Romantic literature
Detailed depiction of ordinary characters and realistic events
Emphasis on characters from cities and lower classes
Avoidance of the exotic, sensational, and overly dramatic
Use of everyday speech patterns to reveal class distinctions
Focus on the ethical struggles and social issues of real-life situations
Types of Realism
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Regionalism
o Literature that emphasizes a specific geographic setting and that makes use of the
speech and manners of the people who live in that region
o Often a sentimental depiction of that region
Naturalism
o Literature that attempts to analyze human behavior objectively, as a scientist
would
o Belief that human behavior is determined by heredity and environment
 Sense that human beings cannot control their own destinies
 Sense of life as a losing battle against an uncaring universe
Psychological
o Interest in complex social and psychological situations
o Focus on human motivation
“A Pair of Silk Stockings” by Kate Chopin
Directions: With your literature circle, discuss “A Pair of Silk Stockings.” Discuss each question
listed below and write your own responses in the lines provided.
1. What do Mrs. Sommers’s original plans for the money and her skill at mending tell you
about her?
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2. Do you think Mrs. Sommers’s feelings of excitement and anticipation would be different
if the story were set in modern times? Why or why not?
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3. Based on page 572, why do you think Mrs. Sommers acts without thinking?
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4. Mrs. Sommers is described as “very hungry” on page 574. What might her hunger
symbolize?
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5. A feminist critic might say that this story is about a woman who is striving to gain
personal freedom and identity. Others might say it is about the class struggle. The critic
Barbara C. Ewell writes, “The power of money to enhance self-esteem and confidence is
the core of this poignant tale.” Which critic do you agree with?
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6. Into which category of Realism would you place “A Pair of Silk Stockings”? Explain the
reason for your choice.
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Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
Directions: With your literature circle, discuss the excerpt from Narrative of the Life of
Frederick Douglass. Discuss each question listed below and write your own responses in the
lines provided.
1. What assertions can you make about Douglass’s purpose for writing about this episode?
How does his matter-of-fact writing style help him achieve his purpose?
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2. What did Douglass assume about the obligation of a slaveholder to a slave? Do you think
it’s likely that Douglass’s “master” shared this assumption?
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3. On page 467, Douglass compares himself to one who has just “escaped a den of wild
beasts.” How is this simile ironic?
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4. Before saying that he had resolved to fight back, Douglass admits that “from whence
came the spirit I don’t know.” How does this description of his state of mind add to the
persuasiveness of his argument?
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5. Douglass compares his new attitude to the religious experience of resurrection. What
emotions does he wish to share with readers through this comparison?
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6. Into which category of Realism would you place The Narrative of the Life of Frederick
Douglass? Explain the reason for your choice.
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“An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” by Ambrose Bierce
Directions: With your literature circle, discuss “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge.” Discuss
each question listed below and write your own responses in the lines provided.
1. Based on the first paragraph of the story, is Bierce trying to elicit sympathy for the
condemned man, or is he as neutral as the sentinels are?
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2. How do time and sound change in the final passages of Part I? What effect do the
changes create?
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3. Part II is a flashback. How does the story of the “gray-clad soldier” affect Farquhar’s
life?
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4. Reread page 493. In what way is this description ambiguous? Which two events does it
suggest? Identify phrases that support your interpretation.
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5. How does this story reflect Bierce’s scorn for sentimental illusions?
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6. Into which category of Realism would you place “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge”?
Explain the reason for your choice.
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