`Course : English Literature (9416)

Semester : Autumn 2023

Level : BS English

Assignment # 02

Name: Ariba Arshad

Registration No : 0000580789

Level : BS English

Tutor Name: Imtiaz Ahmad

Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad

Question # 01:

Realism is a major characteristic in some Novels. Elaborate with the help of

appropriate examples.

Answer:

Realism in literature is a literary movement that emerged in the 19th century, aiming to describe
everyday life and society as precisely and impartially as possible. Realist novels often focus on
the ordinary aspects of human existence, presenting characters, settings, and events that reflect
the reality of the time period in which they are set. This literary style arose as a reaction against
Romanticism, which emphasized emotion, imagination, and idealized portrayals of life. Realism,
on the other hand, required providing a truthful image of the world, including its social,
economic, and political complexities.

Realist novels are characterized by several key elements, including detailed imagery of settings,
genuine dialogue, and a focus on the lives of ordinary people. These works often explore themes
such as social class, family dynamics, and the struggle for continued existence in a cruel and
intolerant world. Realist authors seek to create believable characters that face realistic challenges
and dilemmas, and their narratives are often driven by the interactions between these characters
and their environments.

One of the defining features of Realism is its emphasis on objective observation and description
of reality. Realist authors struggle to present the world as it truly is, without romanticizing or
idealizing it. This commitment to accuracy and truthfulness extends to all aspects of the novel,
from the depiction of physical settings to the depiction of social customs and norms. Realist
writers often conduct extensive research to ensure that their works are grounded in reality and
accurately reflect the time period and society in which they are set.

Another important aspect of Realism is its focus on the lives of ordinary people. Unlike the
impressive heroes and larger-than-life figures of Romantic literature, Realist protagonists are
typically ordinary individuals who face everyday struggles and challenges. These characters
often come from humble backgrounds and lead ordinary lives, but they are portrayed with depth
and complexity, making them relatable to readers. Realist novels explore the lives of these
characters in detail, flaking light on their hopes, dreams, fears, and ambitions.

Realism has had a profound influence on the development of the novel as a literary form. Many
of the most celebrated and continuing works of literature, including Leo Tolstoy's "War and
Peace," Gustave Flaubert's "Madame Bovary," and Charles Dickens' "Great
Expectations," is considered Realist novels. These works have left a permanent mark on the
literary scenery, inspiring generations of writers and shaping the way we understand and engage
with the world around us.

Let's inspect deeper into Realism in literature by exploring its historical context, key
characteristics, prominent authors and works, as well as its impact on subsequent literary
movements.

Historical Context: Realism emerged in the mid-19th century as a response to the Romantic
Movement that dominated literature in the preceding decades. While Romanticism celebrated
individualism, emotion, and imagination, Realism required portraying life as it truly was,
focusing on ordinary people and everyday experiences. The rise of industrialization,
urbanization, and the emergence of the middle class also subjective Realist literature, as writers
wanted to capture the social and economic realities of the time.

Key Characteristics:

Objective picture of reality: Realist authors expected to show the world as it truly existed,
avoiding idealization or romanticization.

Detailed descriptions: Realist novels often feature thorough descriptions of settings, characters,
and social environments, providing readers with a vivid sense of realism.

Authentic dialogue: Dialogue in Realist literature is often lifelike and reflects the speech
patterns of the time and place in which the novel is set.

Focus on ordinary life: Realist novels typically center on the lives of ordinary people, exploring
their everyday struggles, relationships, and aspirations.
Social consciousness: Realist authors often account social norms and institutions, addressing
issues such as class inequality, gender roles, and urban poverty.

Prominent Authors and Works:

Leo Tolstoy: Tolstoy's epic novel "War and Peace" (1869) is considered a masterwork of Realist
literature, exploring themes of love, war, and the search for meaning in life against the
environment of Russian society during the Napoleonic Wars.

Gustave Flaubert: Flaubert's novel "Madame Bovary" (1856) is an original work of Realism,
examining the life of Emma Bovary, a disappointed provincial housewife trapped in a loveless
marriage.

Charles Dickens: Dickens' novels, such as "Great Expectations" (1861) and "David
Copperfield" (1850), offer colorful portrayals of Victorian society, highlighting the struggles of
the working class and the injustices of the era.

Honore de Balzac: Balzac's extensive series of novels collectively known as "La Comedie
Humaine" (The Human Comedy) provides a panoramic view of French society in the 19th
century, with characters from all social course and walks of life.

Impact on Subsequent Literary Movements: Realism had a profound influence on subsequent

literary movements, including Naturalism, which emerged in the late 19th century and required
to apply scientific principles to the study of human behavior. Naturalist authors, such as Emile
Zola, continued the Realist tradition of depicting everyday life but placed greater emphasis on
the deterministic forces that shape human existence. Additionally, Realism paved the way for the
development of Modernism in the early 20th century, as writers began to experiment with new
narrative techniques and explore themes of alienation, fragmentation, and the subjective nature
of reality.
Examples:

1-Leo Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina" (1877):

Objective portrayal of reality: Tolstoy's novel presents a panoramic view of Russian society,
focusing on the lives of its diverse characters and their interconnected relationships. The story
explores themes of love, morality, and the consequences of societal expectations.

Detailed descriptions: Tolstoy's vivid descriptions transport readers to the noble salons of St.
Petersburg, the rural estates of the Russian countryside, and the bustling train stations of
Moscow. For example, the opening scene at the train station where Anna meets Trotsky sets the
stage for the novel's exploration of passion and societal norms.

Authentic dialogue: The dialogue in "Anna Karenina" captures the nuances of Russian society,
from the formal conversations of high society to the intimate exchanges between lovers. Through
dialogue, Tolstoy reveals the inner thoughts and emotions of his characters, adding depth to their
depiction.

Focus on ordinary life: Despite the splendor of its setting, "Anna Karenina" delves into the
personal struggles and dilemmas of its characters, including Anna's internal conflict between her
passion for Trotsky and her societal obligations as a wife and mother.

Social consciousness: Tolstoy critiques the moral pretense and social conventions of 19th-
century Russian society, particularly in its treatment of women. Through Anna's disastrous story,
Tolstoy highlights the double standards and constraints placed on women's freedom and
independence.

2-Honore de Balzac's "Eugenie Grandee" (1833):

Objective portrayal of reality: Balzac's novel offers a realistic description of provincial life in
early 19th-century France, focusing on the Grandee family and their obsession with wealth.
Detailed descriptions: Balzac's detailed descriptions paint a brilliant picture of the Grandee
household and the town of Saumur, from the grave furnishings of the Grandee house to the
active marketplace where the townspeople gather.

Authentic dialogue: The dialogue in "Eugenie Grandee" reflects the manners and social
conventions of the time, revealing the tensions and conflicts within the Grandee family and their
interactions with other members of the community.

Focus on ordinary life: "Eugenie Grandee" explores the impact of money and greediness on the
lives of its characters, particularly Eugenie, who must navigate her father's miserly ways while
grappling with her own needs for love and sovereignty.

Social consciousness: Balzac uses "Eugenie Grandee" to analysis the greediness and social
stratification of French society, highlighting the unhelpful effects of greed and the search of
wealth on individuals and families

3-Thomas Hardy's "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" (1891):

Objective portrayal of reality: Hardy's novel presents a stark portrayal of country life in late
19th-century England, focusing on the disastrous fate of its character, Tess Durbeyfield.

Detailed descriptions: Hardy's suggestive descriptions of the Wessel countryside submerge

readers in Tess's world, from the rolling hills and luxuriant meadows to the country cottages and
busy market towns. For example, the description of Stonehenge serves as a symbol of the
timeless and indifferent forces that shape Tess's destiny.

Authentic dialogue: The dialogue in "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" reflects the dialects and speech
patterns of rural England, lending authenticity to the characters and their interactions. Through
dialogue, Hardy captures the rhythms of everyday life and the struggles of his characters.

Focus on ordinary life: Despite its disastrous plot, "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" explores themes
of love, morality, and fate through the lens of Tess's ordinary life as a rural milkmaid. Hardy
portrays Tess as a understanding and relatable character, highlighting the injustices she faces as a
woman attentive in a patriarchal society.
Social consciousness: Tough critiques the rigid social society and Victorian morality of his time,
particularly in its treatment of women and the working class. Through Tess's story, Hardy
exposes the hypocrisy and injustice inherent in a society that condemns women for their
supposed moral failings while ignoring the systemic repression they face.

These examples demonstrate how Realist novels use detailed descriptions, genuine dialogue, and
a focus on ordinary life to provide an objective depiction of reality and evaluation the social
norms and institutions of their time periods. Through their nuanced characters and vivid settings,
these novels continue to vibrate with readers, offering insight into the human condition and the
complexities of society.

Question # 02:

How does information about the author impact the construction of various
elements of a story? Give examples to support your answer.

Answer:

Information about the author can have a significant impact on the construction of various
elements of a story in several ways:

Narrative Voice and Style: The author's background, experiences, and personal style
manipulate the narrative voice of the story.

For example, an author with a background in reporting might write with a concise and
straightforward style, while a poet might introduce lyrical language into their writing style.

Themes and Messages: The author's beliefs, values, and worldview often shape the themes and
messages conveyed in the story. Personal experiences, cultural background, and ideological
stance can all influence the issues explored in the narrative.

Character Development: Authors may draw inspiration from their own experiences or
observations of others when creating characters. The author understands of human behavior,
psychology, and emotions can inform the depth and complexity of the characters they develop.
Setting and Atmosphere: An author's familiarity with certain locations or environments can
contribute to the genuineness and richness of the story's setting. Personal experiences or research
conducted by the author may influence how they describe and suggest different settings, creating
a brilliant atmosphere for the narrative.

Plot and Conflict: The author's interests, passions, and motivations can shape the direction of
the plot and the conflicts that drive the story forward.

For instance, an author who is deeply interested in social justice issues may include themes of
inequality and activism into their plotlines.

Tone and Mood: The author's emotional state or projected message may influence the tone and
mood of the story. Whether the author seeks to evoke feelings of suspense, joy, melancholy, or
humor, their personal inclinations and intentions play a role in shaping the overall tone of the
narrative.

Symbolism and Imagery: Authors often use symbolism and imagery to convey deeper
meanings within a story. Personal experiences, cultural background, and individual perspectives
can influence the symbols and images chosen by the author and the significance qualified to
them within the narrative.

Dialogue: The author's background, including their exposure to different languages, dialects, and
speech patterns, can influence the authenticity and diversity of dialogue in the story. Cultural
nuances, personal experiences, and the author's own communication style may all shape how
characters speak and interact with each other.

Narrative Structure: The author's knowledge of storytelling techniques and literary devices can
inform the narrative structure of the story. Whether the author employs a linear or non-linear
timeline, utilizes flashbacks or multiple points of view, or experiments with narrative techniques
like stream of consciousness, their understanding of narrative structure impacts how the story
unfolds.

Character Relationships: The author's interpersonal experiences and observations may

influence the dynamics and development of relationships between characters. Personal insights
into human interactions, as well as the author's own relationships, can shape the authenticity and
depth of friendships, romances, conflicts, and alliances depicted in the story.

Motifs and Recurring Themes: Authors often incorporate recurring motifs and themes
throughout their body of work, drawing from their personal interests, beliefs, and
preoccupations. Knowledge of an author's past works and thematic concerns can provide insight
into the motifs and themes that may appear in a new story and how they are developed and
explored.

Narrative Choices: The author's intentions, preferences, and creative goals influence the
narrative choices made right through the story. Whether it's the decision to employ a particular
narrative perspective, introduce a plot twist, or resolve a conflict in a specific manner, the
author's creative group shapes the direction and result of the narrative.

Intertextuality: Authors often reference or allude to other literary works, historical events, or
cultural phenomena within their own writing. Knowledge of an author's influences, literary
inspirations, and cultural references can enrich the reader's understanding of intertextual
connections within the story and the broader literary landscape.

Reader Expectations: Awareness of an author's previous works, reputation, and public

personality can influence reader expectations and interpretations of the story. Reader familiarity
with the author's style, thematic concerns, and narrative tendencies may shape how they engage
with and interpret the text.

By considering these additional factors, it becomes clear that information about the author can
have a comprehensive impact on the construction of various elements within a story, shaping
everything from character development to narrative structure and reader reception.

Here are some examples:

 Themes and Subject Matter:

Example: If the author is known for their background in psychology, they might
incorporate themes of mental illness or the human psyche into their stories. For instance,
Sylvia Plath's struggles with mental health are reflected in her novel "The Bell Jar,"
which explores themes of depression and identity.
 Character Development:
Example: An author who has personal experience with a certain profession or lifestyle
may create more authentic and nuanced characters within that context. For instance, J.K.
Rowling drew upon her own struggles with poverty and single parenthood to develop the
character of Harry Potter, who comes from a similarly disadvantaged background.
 Narrative Style:
Example: Authors with a background in journalism might adopt a straightforward and
objective narrative style, while poets may use more lyrical and descriptive language. For
example, Ernest Hemingway's background as a journalist influenced his minimalist and
economical prose style in works like "The Old Man and the Sea."
 Tone and Perspective:
Example: Authors who have experienced personal trauma or hardship may infuse their
writing with a darker or more introspective tone. For instance, Maya Angelou's
autobiographical works such as "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" are imbued with a
tone of resilience and hope despite the challenges she faced.
 Setting and Atmosphere:
Example: Authors who have lived in or extensively researched a particular geographical
location may use vivid and detailed descriptions to create a rich sense of place in their
stories. For example, Gabriel Garcia Marquez's upbringing in Colombia heavily
influenced the magical realism and lush settings found in his novel "One Hundred Years
of Solitude."
 Cultural Influences:
Example: Authors who belong to specific cultural or ethnic groups may draw upon their
heritage to incorporate cultural nuances, traditions, and values into their storytelling. For
instance, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Nigerian background informs the cultural
authenticity and rich tapestry of Igbo life depicted in her novel "Half of a Yellow Sun."
 Political Beliefs:
Example: Authors with strong political beliefs may use their writing as a platform to
explore and critique socio-political issues. George Orwell's socialist beliefs are evident in
works like "Animal Farm" and "1984," which serve as allegories for totalitarianism and
the dangers of authoritarianism.
 Religious Background:
Example: Authors who have a religious background may incorporate themes of faith,
morality, and spirituality into their stories. Flannery O'Connor's Catholic upbringing is
reflected in the Southern Gothic elements and moral themes present in her short stories,
such as "A Good Man is Hard to Find."
 Personal Interests and Hobbies:
Example: Authors who have hobbies or interests outside of writing may incorporate
these passions into their storytelling. For example, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's background
as a physician influenced his creation of the logical and analytical character Sherlock
Holmes, who employs deductive reasoning akin to a detective solving a medical mystery.
 Educational Background:
Example: Authors with backgrounds in specific academic fields may incorporate
elements of their expertise into their writing. For instance, Michael Crichton's
background as a medical doctor and science graduate is evident in his techno-thrillers like
"Jurassic Park," which explore ethical dilemmas and scientific advancements.
 Personal Experiences:
Example: Authors who have lived through historical events or personal challenges may
draw upon these experiences to add authenticity and emotional depth to their stories.
Khalid Hussein’s experiences as an Afghan immigrant heavily influenced the themes of
displacement, identity, and redemption in his novel "The Kite Runner."
 In each of these examples, the author's background and personal experiences play a
significant role in shaping various elements of the story, contributing to its authenticity,
depth, and resonance with readers.
Question # 03:

Who is a protagonist in a literary work? How can a protagonist be differentiated

from other characters of a story? Explain with the help of appropriate examples.

Answer:

In literary terms, the protagonist is the central character or leading figure in a story. The
protagonist is often the character whose journey, experiences, and actions drive the narrative
forward. They are typically the character with whom the reader or audience is meant to identify
or empathize. The protagonist is not necessarily always a hero; they can be flawed, complex, and
face moral dilemmas throughout the story. The conflicts they encounter and their development
throughout the narrative are usually central to the theme and purpose of the work.