Realism

• What is realism in literature and philosophy?

  Realism is a literary mode and philosophical approach that portrays life accurately.
• What does realism emphasize in its portrayal of life?

  Realism emphasizes ordinary events and rejects the romanticization of subjects.
• How did realism evolve across different cultures and historical periods?

  Realism evolved by becoming the dominant style in mid-19th century Europe and influencing various fields.
• In which century did realism become the dominant style in Europe?

  Realism became the dominant style in mid-19th century Europe.
• What are the influences of realism on literature, art, and social critique?


  • Influenced literary narratives to focus on everyday life
  • Impacted artistic representations to depict reality
  • Encouraged social critique through realistic portrayals of society
• What does Plato's philosophy suggest about the physical world?


  The physical world is a mere shadow of ideal forms.
• Where does true knowledge reside according to Plato?


  True knowledge resides in the realm of ideals.
• How does realism contrast with Platonic idealism?


  Realism focuses on everyday, material existence, while idealism focuses on abstract ideals.
• What is the role of realism in relation to idealism?


  Realism functions as the philosophical counterpoint to idealism.
• What does realism emphasize in art and literature?

  Realism emphasizes the depiction of the ordinary and imperfect world.
• Why is the opposition between realism and idealism significant in debates about art and literature?


  This opposition highlights the difference between what is and what should or could be.
• What are the key concepts of realism as a Platonic category?


  • Realism contrasts with Platonic idealism.
  • Focuses on everyday, material existence.
  • Emphasizes ordinary and imperfect world in art and literature.
  • Functions as a counterpoint to idealism.
• What does Rembrandt’s realism focus on in his paintings?


  Detailed depiction of ordinary people and moments of introspection
• How do Rembrandt's works celebrate everyday life?


  By highlighting the dignity of the everyday and emotional honesty
• What does realist art reject in its portrayal of subjects?


  Romantic and classical ideals
• How does realist art portray subjects compared to romantic art?


  In a naturalistic manner, free from sentimentality
• What are the key characteristics of realism in art as exemplified by Rembrandt?


  • Focus on ordinary people and introspection
  • Celebration of everyday dignity
  • Raw emotional honesty
  • Rejection of idealization and sentimentality
  • Naturalistic portrayal of flaws and imperfections
• Who are two prominent authors of French realism in the mid-19th century?

  Gustave Flaubert and Honoré de Balzac
• What is the main characteristic of the works of Gustave Flaubert and Honoré de Balzac?


  They depicted the complexities of contemporary society with unflinching honesty.
• What is the title of Gustave Flaubert's notable work?


  Madame Bovary
• What is the title of Honoré de Balzac's notable work?


  La Comédie Humaine
• How did realist painters like Gustave Courbet contribute to the realism movement?


  They mirrored the trend in visual arts by focusing on ordinary people and scenes from daily life.
• What are the key features of realism in mid-19th century France in literature and visual arts?


  • Focus on ordinary people and daily life
  • Unflinching honesty in depicting society
  • Notable authors: Gustave Flaubert and Honoré de Balzac
  • Notable works: "Madame Bovary" and "La Comédie Humaine"
  • Realist painters: Gustave Courbet
• What political tool was realism appropriated as in the Soviet Union during the 20th century?


  Socialist realism
• What was the aim of socialist realism in the Soviet Union?


  To depict an idealized version of the working class and promote socialist values
• How did socialist realism impose ideological constraints on artistic expression?


  By portraying an optimistic vision of society aligned with Soviet propaganda
• What are the characteristics of socialist realism?


  • Depicts an idealized working class
  • Promotes socialist values
  • Aligns with Soviet propaganda
  • Imposes ideological constraints on realism
• What does Realism prioritize in its mode of perception and representation?


  Detailed observation of the world
• How does Realism attempt to capture life?


  By depicting it as it is perceived, without distortion
• What is Realism considered in terms of artistic or literary expression?


  Both a way of seeing and a method of expression
• During which historical period did Realism become the dominant movement in Europe?


  Mid-19th century
• What did writers and artists turn away from when adopting Realism?


  Romanticism
• What societal changes influenced the shift towards Realism?


  Industrialization and urbanization
• What are the key characteristics of Realism as a movement?


  • Prioritizes detailed observation
  • Captures life as perceived, without distortion
  • Reflects societal changes due to industrialization and urbanization
  • A shift from Romanticism to a grounded depiction of life
• What was considered the dominant literary form in classical antiquity?


  Poetry
• Why was prose considered secondary in ancient classical culture?


  Because poetry was the dominant literary form
• What were the main uses of prose in classical antiquity?


  Philosophical or historical texts
• What is Apuleius’s The Golden Ass about?


  A Latin novel that blends fantasy, adventure, and satire
• What does Petronius’s Satyricon portray?


  The decadence of Roman society, mixing realism with humor
• What is the hierarchy of genres in ancient classical culture?


  • High: Epic and tragedy (noble themes, gods, heroes)
  • Middle: Lyric poetry and history (intermediate position)
  • Low: Comedy (everyday life and ordinary people)