Novelistic Conventions – The Realist Novel
The Use of Realism in Literature – From P D James to Jane Austen
May 10, 2009
Realistic conventions are used a great deal in the media, in novels, short stories, articles, films, television programmes, and various other forms. Realism is a representation of real life, it is believable, it persuades the reader to empathise with an element of what they are reading or viewing.
Realism in the Media
On television there is a great deal of choice of soap operas to watch. These are similar to realist novels in that they have a realistic setting (some actually being filmed in real towns and villages), the characters usually have similar traits / attitudes to ‘normal’ people, and the plots deal (most of the time) with social problems that can be related to e.g. sexuality, family dilemmas, politics, etc.
The viewer is aware that what is happening is not real, but similarly to a gripping novel, they remain focussed on following the storyline as though it is reality.
Realist Novels
The main claim of a realist novel is that it tells an original story, involving the reader so that the reader will be able to empathise and extend their sympathies and their understanding.
Most novels contain some aspects of realism. Whether it is the setting, the characters, attitudes, or plot that is realist, is dependent upon the individual style of the author.
To be classed as a realist novel, a book should have a feeling of authenticity. Modern crime / detective books (such as those of P D James) usually have a realistic setting and realistic characters which appear authentic to the reader, however the author will frequently choose to shock the reader with horrifying discoveries and bizarre plots which hurl the reader into an unusual escapist world before returning back to reality again.
Non-Realist Fiction
Some forms of fiction cannot be classed as realist novels. Modern romance novels are filled with dramatic character names and escapist storylines (like fairy-tales) which the reader cannot relate to. However, the reader can use these as a method of escaping from their own reality.
Gothic novels, such as Shelley’s Frankenstein, give a lack of realism in that they are too melodramatic, but again form a method of escapism. Also sci-fi / fantasy novels give escapism, but no realism.
What is Realist Writing?
Realist writing is usually anxious writing. It deals with ordinary people, dealing with morals, and normal social issues. The reader is ‘shown’ the characters, rather than ‘told’ about them. That way the reader can familiarise themselves with the characters, rather like meeting someone new in real-life.
In ‘Pride and Prejudice’, Jane Austen portrays a realistic image of society, in a realistic setting. But instead of a realistic storyline, she opted for romance in her choice of Elizabeth Bennet as her heroine. If she had chosen Charlotte Lucas as her heroine instead, she would have given her readers a more realist (but maybe not so entertaining) storyline.
An ideal example of realist writing is shown in Turgenev’s Fathers and Sons. Turgenev states the exact time and location of his setting, goes into precise details about the social, political, and economic climate, and positions his (believable) characters in relation to this environment, constantly raising and lowering the tension within his plot.
