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Social realism in literature is a movement that portrays the struggles of the working class, aiming to reflect and critique societal issues like economic disparity and oppression. It emerged in response to industrialization and urbanization's impact on society. Notable works include Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men' and Hinton's 'The Outsiders', which address themes of class conflict and social injustice.
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Social realism emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a literary movement that aimed to accurately represent the lives and struggles of the working class
Unflinching Portrayal of Working Class
Social realism is noted for its unflinching portrayal of the everyday challenges faced by the working class, often serving as a critique of societal issues such as economic disparity, oppression, and exploitation
Reaction to Industrialization and Urbanization
Social realism was a reaction to the sweeping social transformations caused by industrialization and urbanization, and its proponents aimed to shed light on the often grim realities faced by the impoverished and disenfranchised segments of society
Social realism should not be conflated with socialist realism, as the latter was a state-mandated artistic approach that aimed to promote Soviet ideology and celebrate the accomplishments of the state
The theoretical basis of social realism posits that literature and art that accurately mirror the world and its social issues have the potential to foster societal change
Social realism found particular resonance during the Great Depression in the United States, where it was employed to advocate for social reform and address economic turmoil
The roots of social realism in English literature can be traced to earlier works, with Charles Dickens as a prominent forerunner
Social realist literature is marked by its critical examination of society, with a particular emphasis on the social structures that perpetuate inequality
Class Conflict and Social Stratification
Recurring themes in social realism include class conflict and social stratification, highlighting the disparities between different social classes
Gender Inequality and Racial Discrimination
Other common themes include gender inequality and racial discrimination, shedding light on the struggles faced by marginalized communities
Plausible Storylines and Complex Characters
Social realist literature is characterized by plausible storylines and complex, relatable characters that explore human imperfections
Realistic Settings and Historical Accuracy
The narrative style of social realism often includes settings that are realistic or historically accurate, adding to the authenticity of the stories