Realism Naturalism Modernism
Jade Morton
Professor Hall
English 379
November 6, 2014
Modernism: Sexual Identity Realism, naturalism, and modernism were all literary techniques used between the 1940’s and 1960’s. McDowell and Spillers define these three techniques as, “realism is taken to refer broadly to a faithful representation of material “reality”; naturalism, to a franker, harsher treatment of the power of the social environment cum jungle on indivisual psychology; and modernism, to a break with the familiar functions of language and conventions of form.” (94) During this literary period, notable African American writers contributed to this diverse array of literature. African American writers of this period “were often engaged in bitter disagreement over the form and functions of African American expression, over the obligations of black writers to their publications, and even over how such publics were to be identified.” (94) By tackling issues that dealt with identity, sexuality, social tensions, internal confessions, gender and gender roles, etc. the writers of this period sought to give a certain social literary reality to this broad style of writing. Modernism depicts a strong internal break with tradition; style or movement that aims to break with classical and traditional forms and attach modern ides. James Baldwin, a notable contributor to the realism, naturalism, and modernism era, pulled from personal experiences to formulate writings. “Linking the most intimate areas of his own experience with the broadest questions of national and global density.” (390) With early life events such as his struggles with poverty, religious indoctrination, the estrangement from his step father, and identifying his sexuality, Baldwin managed to connect modern topics by showing how they connect with the traditional ideals adopted by society. In his literature he attempts to show, through his characters, how individuals adapt to the changing world as well as the changing times. Baldwin’s
Professor Hall
English 379
November 6, 2014
Modernism: Sexual Identity Realism, naturalism, and modernism were all literary techniques used between the 1940’s and 1960’s. McDowell and Spillers define these three techniques as, “realism is taken to refer broadly to a faithful representation of material “reality”; naturalism, to a franker, harsher treatment of the power of the social environment cum jungle on indivisual psychology; and modernism, to a break with the familiar functions of language and conventions of form.” (94) During this literary period, notable African American writers contributed to this diverse array of literature. African American writers of this period “were often engaged in bitter disagreement over the form and functions of African American expression, over the obligations of black writers to their publications, and even over how such publics were to be identified.” (94) By tackling issues that dealt with identity, sexuality, social tensions, internal confessions, gender and gender roles, etc. the writers of this period sought to give a certain social literary reality to this broad style of writing. Modernism depicts a strong internal break with tradition; style or movement that aims to break with classical and traditional forms and attach modern ides. James Baldwin, a notable contributor to the realism, naturalism, and modernism era, pulled from personal experiences to formulate writings. “Linking the most intimate areas of his own experience with the broadest questions of national and global density.” (390) With early life events such as his struggles with poverty, religious indoctrination, the estrangement from his step father, and identifying his sexuality, Baldwin managed to connect modern topics by showing how they connect with the traditional ideals adopted by society. In his literature he attempts to show, through his characters, how individuals adapt to the changing world as well as the changing times. Baldwin’s
Cited: Baldwin, James. Giovanni 's Room. New York: Dell, 1956. 1-169. Print. McDowell, and Spillers. "Realism, Naturalism, Modernism." The Norton Anthology of African American Literature. 3rd ed. Vol. 2. New York: W.W. Norton, 2014. 94, 390. Print.