Litteraturepoken realismen förklarad | SVENSKA | Gymnasienivå

Summary

This transcript explores the shift from Romanticism to Realism in 19th-century literature, focusing on how authors began depicting everyday life and social issues. The rise of the bourgeoisie, the industrial revolution, and the emergence of new political ideologies influenced writers like Balzac and Dickens, who highlighted poverty, class struggles, and child labor. Realism emphasized the harsh realities of life, while Naturalism took this further by exploring human behavior as shaped by environment and genetics. The debate over women's rights, sexual morality, and societal norms also shaped literature, with authors like Ibsen and Strindberg challenging traditional views. The legacy of this era is still felt today, as literature continues to blend fiction with real-world issues.

Takeaways

• 😀 The early 1800s saw literature dominated by romanticism, where books were a way to escape into stories of extraordinary people and emotions.
• 😀 Realism emerged in the mid-1800s as writers began to focus on everyday life, portraying ordinary people with complex, relatable experiences.
• 😀 The rise of the bourgeoisie in the 19th century contributed to the development of realism, as the middle class, literate and financially stable, wanted to read about their own lives.
• 😀 Authors like Honoré de Balzac depicted the French class system in their works, particularly in his monumental series 'The Human Comedy'.
• 😀 Charles Dickens became a major figure in realism, highlighting the struggles of the poor and underprivileged, as seen in works like 'Oliver Twist'.
• 😀 Dickens used social commentary in his writing to advocate for the betterment of society, particularly the harsh conditions faced by poor children.
• 😀 Realist literature not only dealt with societal problems but also brought attention to previously marginalized groups such as the poor, prostitutes, and criminals.
• 😀 The development of photography in the 19th century influenced realism, as both literature and photography sought to represent the world as it truly was.
• 😀 The naturalist movement, which emerged toward the end of the 1800s, took realism further by viewing human behavior through a scientific lens, inspired by Charles Darwin's theories.
• 😀 In the late 1800s, the 'modern breakthrough' saw authors like Strindberg and Ibsen addressing controversial social issues, including women's rights, marriage, and sexual freedom.

Q & A

Why did realism start to gain prominence in the early 19th century?

Realism emerged as authors began to focus on everyday life and ordinary people, contrasting with the romanticized themes of heroism and extraordinary individuals that dominated literature before. The changing social and economic landscape, influenced by the Industrial Revolution, played a key role in this shift.

How did the Industrial Revolution impact literature during the 19th century?

The Industrial Revolution led to significant societal changes, including the rise of the bourgeoisie and the growth of an urban working class. Literature started to reflect these changes, portraying the struggles and experiences of ordinary people rather than idealized or romanticized narratives.

What role did the bourgeoisie play in the development of realism?

The bourgeoisie, or middle class, became the primary audience for realist literature. They were literate, had disposable income, and sought stories they could relate to, particularly about their own lives, struggles, and the societal changes occurring around them.

How does Honoré de Balzac contribute to the realism movement?

Balzac's monumental work, 'La Comédie Humaine,' which consists of over 90 novels and 2,000 characters, aimed to expose the French class system and the dynamics of society, showing how individuals' fates were shaped by their upbringing and circumstances.

What is the significance of Charles Dickens' 'Oliver Twist' in the context of realism?

'Oliver Twist' highlights the harsh realities faced by the poor and marginalized in society, such as child labor, abuse, and crime. Dickens used the novel to critique social injustices, particularly the mistreatment of orphans and the impoverished, showcasing the grim realities that many faced.

How did realism influence the portrayal of children in literature?

Before realism, children were often depicted as idealized, innocent figures. However, with the rise of realism, authors like Dickens started to depict the suffering and exploitation of children in harsh realities, raising awareness of child labor and societal neglect.

What does the term 'naturalism' refer to, and how does it differ from realism?

Naturalism is a more extreme form of realism that emerged in the late 19th century. It was influenced by scientific thought, particularly Charles Darwin's theories on evolution. Naturalist authors like Émile Zola viewed human behavior as the result of heredity and environment, often portraying people as victims of their circumstances.

How did the theme of women's rights and freedom manifest in literature during the 19th century?

The 19th century saw a rise in literature that explored the limitations placed on women, particularly regarding marriage, independence, and societal roles. Authors like Henrik Ibsen and Victoria Benedictsson wrote works that highlighted women's struggles for autonomy and questioned traditional gender roles.

What impact did the seduction debate ('sedlighetsdebatten') have on literature?

The seduction debate revolved around issues of sexual morality, particularly the roles of men and women in marriage and society. Writers like Anne Charlotte Leffler challenged the prevailing norms by addressing themes of sexual freedom and critique of the institution of marriage, leading to a larger societal conversation about sexual ethics.

How did realism in the 19th century continue to influence modern literature and media?

Realism set the foundation for modern narrative forms, including the character-driven novel and social critique. Today, we still see its influence in genres like 'true crime,' reality TV, and podcasts, where there is a focus on real-life stories and the blending of fiction and reality, raising questions about the representation of truth in media.