Realism and Naturalism.pptVIP

● The major theme ◆Daisy Miller treats what became Henry James’s most famous theme, international theme: the meeting of America and Europe, American innocence in contact and contrast with European decadence, and its moral and psychological complications. These can be seen in such aspects: free spirit vs. moral restraint, nature vs. artificiality, innocence vs. knowledge, outward action vs. inward meditation. ◆ James was interested in the problems that result when independent and free-spirited Americans are introduced into an older, more sophisticated, and more restrictive European society. On the one hand, James admired Europe’s centuries of tradition, its art and culture, and he deplored America’s rawness and vulgarity. On the other hand, he distrusted Europe as overly refined, perhaps corrupting, and he applauded American energy, optimism, and innocence. * Lecture 6 The Age of Realism and Naturalism: Henry James Content American Realism Henry James Teaching Objectives and Requirements： 1 Help the students to know about American Realism 2 Help the students to know about Henry James 1 American Realism (1865-1918)： 1.1 Historical Background 1.2 Features of American Realism 1.1 Historical Background： The Civil War (1861-1865), a struggle of industry and capitalist democracy against agriculture and slavery, was a turning point in American history. After the War, great changes took place in America. First of all, the Civil War affected both the social and value system of the country: a Jeffersonian agrarian community into an industrialized and commercialized society; wilderness giving way to civilization. Thomas Jefferson The War also brought some noticeable changes to the American economy: industry developing at an unprecedented rate; agricultural productivity increasing dramatically; cities expanding at an alarming rate. However, the changes were not all for better: the wealth was more than ever in the possession of the few; business and financial tycoons