How is the poem 'Sadie and Maud' by Gwendolyn Brooks synonymous to Realism, Naturalism and Modernism?

First of all, tell us what you know about Realism

and Naturalism

and Modernism.

You have to be very clear on what those terms mean before you can make inferences.

For what I am trying to understand I am using these definitions:

Realism- a faithful reproduction of reality and promotes awareness
Naturalism- a harsher treatment of reality and realism
Modernism- connecting realism and naturalism to today.

Pretty good.

Read these, too -- a paragraph or so in each:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Realism#Realism_in_the_arts
and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naturalism_(literature)
and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modernism#Modernism:_1930.E2.80.931945

Then ...

Tell me what lines in the poem best illustrate each of those 3 trends.

Would the last stanza be an example of Naturalism?

"Maud, who went to college,
Is a thin brown mouse.
She is living all alone
In this old house."

Yes, I agree.

"...detailed realism to suggest that social conditions, heredity, and environment had inescapable force in shaping human character."

To understand how the poem "Sadie and Maud" by Gwendolyn Brooks relates to Realism, Naturalism, and Modernism, we can examine its themes, style, and historical context.

1. Realism: Realism in literature aims to depict everyday life or reality as it is, often focusing on ordinary or common experiences. In "Sadie and Maud," Brooks presents two contrasting sisters, Sadie and Maud, and offers a glimpse into their lives. The poem realistically portrays their choices, challenges, and consequences. It reveals the struggles of two African American women from different socioeconomic backgrounds and highlights the impact those circumstances have on their lives.

2. Naturalism: Naturalism goes a step further than realism by emphasizing how external forces, such as social or environmental conditions, shape individuals' lives. In "Sadie and Maud," Brooks explores how societal expectations influence the choices and outcomes of the characters. For instance, Maud conforms to societal norms by pursuing their idea of success through education, while Sadie chooses a path that deviates from convention. The poem suggests that their choices are determined, to some extent, by their social and economic circumstances.

3. Modernism: Modernism refers to a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It sought to break away from traditional forms and conventions, experimenting with new styles, techniques, and themes. "Sadie and Maud" demonstrates elements of modernism through its non-linear structure, fragmented narrative, and use of imagery and symbolism. Brooks employs vivid descriptions and metaphorical language to convey the complexities of Sadie and Maud's lives, highlighting the conflicts between individual desires and societal expectations.

To deepen your analysis and understanding of how the poem relates to these literary movements, you can further explore the historical context and influences on Gwendolyn Brooks' work, such as the Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights Movement, and her own experiences as an African American woman living in a racially divided society. Additionally, examining the poem's use of language, tone, and poetic devices can provide further insights into its stylistic and thematic connections to Realism, Naturalism, and Modernism.