#19 Long Essay Answer:
CHOOSE ONE OF THE PROMPTS BELOW TO ANSWER
PROMPT A: Regionalism is a form of Realism that emphasizes realistic settings, using local dialect, customs, and other specific details of a place. Identify the regional stories in the Realism and Regionalism unit. What part of the country is portrayed, and which details in the story distinguish it from other regions in America?
One regional story in the Realism and Regionalism unit that emphasizes realistic settings, using local dialect, customs, or other specific details of a place is _______________. In this story, the text says, “____________________”. This demonstrates elements of Realism and Regionalism in that __________________. Another story from this unit is _______________. In this story the author uses _____________ to _______________. A final example is from the story _______________. The text says “_______________” which distinguishes it from other regions in America because ____________________.
PROMPT B: Consider what you have learned about American history during the period of 1860 to the early 1900s. How do the stories in the Realism and Regionalism unit reflect what was going on in the country then?
The stories in the Realism and Regionalism unit reflect what was going on in the country by ________________. An example from the story _______________ is when the text says, “________________.” This reflects what was going on in the country then by ____________________. Another example from the story ________________ is “________________.” This reflects what was going on because it shows ________________. A final example from the story ______________ is “__________________” This reflects the time period by _________________________.
PROMPT A: Regionalism is a form of Realism that emphasizes realistic settings, using local dialect, customs, and other specific details of a place. It aims to capture the unique characteristics of a particular region or area, highlighting its distinctiveness compared to other regions in America. In the Realism and Regionalism unit, several stories exemplify this literary style.
One regional story in the unit that emphasizes realistic settings and local customs is "The Outcasts of Poker Flat" by Bret Harte. This story is set in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, specifically in the town of Poker Flat, which is located in California's mining country during the mid-1800s. The text says, "The town lay under the spell of a drouth that had lasted for more than three months." This demonstrates elements of Realism and Regionalism as it portrays the harsh reality of the mining towns during the Gold Rush era, where resources were scarce, and the environment was unforgiving. The local dialect and the behavior of the characters also add to the authentic depiction of the region.
Another story that exemplifies Realism and Regionalism is "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" by Mark Twain. This story is set in Angel's Camp in Calaveras County, California. The author uses the local dialect and characters to highlight the unique aspects of this region. For example, the narrator says, "There was a feller here once by the name of Jim Smiley, in the winter of '49 — or maybe it was the spring of '50; I don't recollect exactly." This usage of slang and colloquial language not only adds authenticity to the story but also emphasizes the specific regional setting of Calaveras County.
Lastly, the story "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce showcases Realism and Regionalism with its setting in northern Alabama during the American Civil War. The text says, "He had enlisted at the beginning of the war as a private." This distinguishes it from other regions in America because it takes place in the midst of the conflict, portraying the tension and violence experienced in this particular area. The story also incorporates details of southern culture and customs, further highlighting the regional aspect of the narrative.
PROMPT B: The stories in the Realism and Regionalism unit reflect what was going on in the country during the period of 1860 to the early 1900s in various ways. They provide insights into the social, political, and economic aspects of the time.
One example from the story "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin is when the text says, "She said it over and over under her breath: 'free, free, free!'" This reflects what was going on in the country then by highlighting the theme of female liberation. During this period, women's suffrage and the fight for women's rights were gaining momentum, and this story reflects the growing desire for freedom and independence among women.
Another example from the story "To Build a Fire" by Jack London is when the text says, "Here was neither peace, nor rest, nor a moment's safety." This reflects what was going on because it shows the harsh and unforgiving conditions of the American frontier during that time. The story demonstrates the challenges faced by individuals in the pursuit of survival and success, mirroring the struggles of people during the rapidly changing and industrializing America.
A final example from the story "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is "But nobody could climb through that pattern—it strangles so." This reflects the time period by shedding light on the issue of women's mental health and the medical treatments administered at that time. The story explores the rest cure prescribed to women suffering from "hysteria" and critiques the oppressive nature of patriarchal society.
Overall, the stories in the Realism and Regionalism unit provide a glimpse into the realities and concerns of the time, ranging from gender dynamics to the challenges of frontier life and mental health issues. They reflect the social, political, and economic climate of the period and offer valuable insights into American history during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.