what are the Literary Eras (each era should have its own slide(s))
Time Period
Key Authors and Texts
Major Themes or Characteristics
What historical events influenced or led to this literary era?
What differences do you notice between this era and the previous one?
Note: The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail and The Great Gatsby should be included with the appropriate era, not listed on their own.
Reflection
Which era did you enjoy the most and why?
for, Realism and Regionalism
Realism and Regionalism Era
Time Period: 1865-1914
Key Authors and Texts:
- Mark Twain: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
- Kate Chopin: The Awakening
- Stephen Crane: The Red Badge of Courage
- Henry James: The Turn of the Screw
- Edith Wharton: The Age of Innocence
Major Themes or Characteristics:
- Objective and accurate portrayal of everyday life
- Focus on ordinary people and their experiences
- Emphasis on detailed descriptions and realistic dialogue
- Exploration of social and economic issues
- Skepticism towards traditional beliefs and values
Historical Events:
- Post-Civil War America and Reconstruction period
- Rise of industrialization, capitalism, and urbanization
- The Gilded Age and increasing social stratification
- Women's suffrage movement and changing roles for women
- Immigration and the blending of cultures
Differences from Previous Era (Romanticism):
- Shift from idealism to realism
- Transition from highly imaginative and emotional writing to more objective and factual representations
- Greater emphasis on social and political issues rather than the individual and nature
- Inclusion of women and minorities as prominent voices in literature
Overall Reflection:
I enjoyed the Realism and Regionalism era the most because of its focus on capturing the essence of everyday life. These works provided a truthful and unembellished perspective, shedding light on the social and economic realities of the time. The exploration of societal issues and the inclusion of diverse voices added depth and relevance to the literature. The shift from Romanticism to Realism marked a significant change in literary style and themes, making it a fascinating era to study.