Realism and modernism represented what life was really like during the periods in which they were written. In other words, each writing style required of the characters as well as precise and genuine background information that would allow readers to relate to the stories they were reading.
Realism, first and foremost, is known to be the period in which writers began to write what they saw, and experienced, during their lifetime. This was a time in which people were slowly adapting to the many changes that were happening all around them, such as the Civil War and the Industrial Revolution.
Realism allowed for readers to see things from a different perspective and learn about topics or events that they may have not been previously exposed to. In addition, modernism is a writing style that encompassed all of the technological advances that were taking place during the early 20th century. This included items such as automobiles, telephones, and even electric lights.
Modernism allowed for writers to explore different ways of storytelling and giving their readers a new experience. Lastly, postmodernism is a writing style that is based on the idea that reality can be different for each individual. This means that there is no one correct way to view the world and that everyone has their own unique perspective. Postmodernism also includes elements of pop culture and often uses irony or sarcasm to make a point.
Realism, modernism, and postmodernism are all very different from one another, but they are also similar in some ways. All three writing styles allow for readers to see the world through the eyes of the writer and to learn about new topics or events. In addition, all three styles can be used to explore different aspects of life and to tell a story in a unique way.
Realism attempts to write stories that are realistic and frequently deal with social themes. Modernism, on the other hand, does not attempt to convey objective truth because it believes this is impossible. Instead of trying to communicate actual reality, modernism offers us a more abstract method of depicting the world that also includes considerable historical background information.
Postmodernism, on the other hand, is a reaction to both realism and modernism. It mocks the grand narratives of both movements and often uses irony or parody. Postmodernism is also interested in gender issues, race relations and other social inequalities.
Despite the fact that both writing styles have a number of similarities, they also have several distinctions. Both were tried in previous eras. realism was the first to be tested during the late 1800s. Despite the fact that little historical events took place between the Civil War and the early 20th century, many people, including Kate Chopin and, of course, Mark Twain, wanted to voice their own perspectives on the surrounding environment in which they resided.
Realism writers generally wrote about average, working class people in their day to day lives. Most of the time, what was happening in the story was an event that could have possibly happened in real life. Modernism on the other hand was a style of writing that took place around the early 1900s.
This is when World War I had just occurred, and many things were changing such as new technologies being invented, and different ways of thinking. Many modernist writers wanted to write about these changes, and how they affected society as a whole. They also wanted to show how individuals were affected by these changes.
Postmodernism is a style of writing that takes place after World War II up until present day. This is when many social issues began to arise such as the Civil Rights Movement. Postmodernist writers wanted to write about these social issues, and how they affected society. They also wanted to show how individuals were affected by these social issues. Realism, modernism, and postmodernism are all different writing styles that experiment with different time periods, events, and social issues.
Many individuals were drawn to this type of writing because it seemed familiar to them. Despite their wonderful writings in the literary world, their writing characteristics are somewhat less creative than Modernism works. It is frequently stated that “modernism reflected a belief that art may produce meaning and thus serve as a unifying force in life and society” (Taylor) when it comes to the works of Modernism.
As a result of this, Modernism writers were very creative in their writings. They used techniques such as free indirect style, fragmentation and more to give their writings a different perspective from Realism and Post-Modernism. Realists wrote what they saw while Modernists wrote what they felt.
Aside from having different writing techniques, Realists, Modernists and Postmodernists also possess distinctively dissimilar ways of thinking. Realists are said to think “logically, pragmatically and empirically” (Bennett). On the other hand, Modernists “believe that there is an objective reality but that knowledge is partial, biased and fallible” (Bennett). Lastly, Postmodernists think “deeply suspicious of all claims to certainty and objectivity” (Bennett).
Realists are down-to-earth people. They would rather deal with things as they are instead of what could be. Modernists, on one hand, are idealists. They believe that change is possible and that progress is always attainable. Postmodernists, however, are the complete opposite of Modernists. They think that everything is relative and that there is no such thing as progress.
Realism, Modernism and Postmodernism also have different approaches when it comes to history. Realists “tended to view history in linear terms, as a story of progress from barbarism to civilisation” (Bennett). Modernists, on the other hand, “saw history as cyclical, with periods of progress alternating with periods of decline” (Bennett).
Lastly, Postmodernists “rejected the idea of history as a story with a beginning, middle and an end” (Bennett). Realists see history as something that is always moving forward. Modernists see it as something that repeats itself in cycles. Postmodernists, however, see history as something that is constantly changing and that there is no real understanding of it.
Realism, Modernism and Postmodernism are three very different literary movements. Realism focuses on writing about what is happening around us in a realistic way. Modernism focuses on creative writing and thinking outside the box. Postmodernism focuses on the idea that everything is relative and that there is no one truth. Realists are logical and down-to-earth.
Modernists are idealistic and believe in progress. Postmodernists are skeptical and think that everything is always changing. When it comes to history, Realists see it as moving forward in a linear way. Modernists see it as repeating itself in cycles. Postmodernists see it as constantly changing with no real understanding of it.