NOTES ON REALISM

1- Psychological realism, popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, focuses on portraying
characters' internal thoughts and convictions. It explores why characters behave the way they do, often
reflecting societal and political issues. Henry James' novel A Portrait of a Lady exemplifies psychological
realism, as the protagonist Isabel's inheritance and nonconformity shape her thoughts on marriage and
choices.

2- Social realism depicts the conditions and experiences of the working class, critiquing power structures
that oppress them. It exposes the stark contrast between the poor living conditions of the working class
and the privileged lives of the ruling classes. Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol exemplifies social
realism, showcasing the struggles of the Cratchit family and the wealthy protagonist, Scrooge, who
neglects their plight.

3- Naturalism, a late 19th-century literary movement, explores the underlying causes for characters'
actions, choices, and beliefs, emphasizing the influence of family and society on individuals. It asserts
that environmental factors primarily shape human character. French author Émile Zola coined the term
and developed its theories. Although naturalism declined in prominence, its impact persists as modern
writers incorporate naturalist elements into their work. Naturalism is innately more socially conscious
and political than realism. Characters usually live in hardscrabble conditions or face serious life-or-death
decisions as a result of external factors rooted in society or circumstance. These conditions are
essentially larger than the characters themselves, conditions with which many readers—sometimes,
whole communities—can identify. So, on a fundamental level, naturalism deals with more socially
relevant issues and bigger-picture perspectives than realism.