美国文学现实主义阶段著名作家与作品 The Literature of Realism.pptVIP

* * Chapter ⅣThe Literature of Realism The Background of American Realism The fifty years between the end of the Civil War to the outbreak of the First World War Changes in every aspect of American life Industrialization and the urbanization, “The Gilded Age” Tired of sentimental feelings of Romanticism Interest in reality of life William Dean Howells: “ I confess I do not care to judge any work of the imagination without first applying this test to it. We must ask ourselves before anything else. Is it true? –true to the motives, the impulses, the principles that shape the life of actual men and women?” The Characteristic of American Realism Interpretation of the actualities of any aspect of life, free from subjective prejudice, idealism, or romantic color. 1. Historical Background: “The Gilded Age”. In the period between the end of the Civil War and the beginning of World War I, the country developed rapidly in various fields. By the 1870s the New England Renaissance had waned. A host of new writers appeared. They sought to portray American life as it really was. Local color fiction reached its peak of popularity in the 1880s. Naturalism dominated American literature of the first decade of 20th century. 4. Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896) Family Background: raised in a strongly religious atmosphere Her father Lyman Beecher, was a distinguished clergyman; Two brothers (Henry Ward and Edward): celebrated preachers; Older sister (Catherine): an educator Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896) Stowe’s House in Cincinnati Cincinnati Suspension Bridge over Ohio River “The Mother’s Struggle” : A Scene from Uncle Tom’s Cabin Mrs. Stowe’s Life: Born: June 14, 1811 - Litchfield, Connecticut In 1832: Moved to Cincinnati, Father: president of Lane Theological Seminary In 1836: married Calvin Ellis Stowe, a seminary professor at Lane; In 1830s, and 1840s, wrote stories for magazines; By 1850, she was the mother of seven children; In 1