Summary

     Technologies such as the phonograph, the photographic camera, and the motion picture camera contributed to the rise of Realism.  These analog recording technologies were to record things as they really happened, thus eliminating the need to interpose language or symbolic technique to represent what is happening. This concept inspired artists to depict things not as they ought to be (Idealism) or as they once were (Romanticism), but as they really are in the present day. The resulting literary movement, Realism, is linked to the rise of the middle class and a concern for depicting struggles of the working class. Realism incorporates a preoccupation with surfaces, ordinary characters, everyday activities, and a sense of psychological consciousness combined with artistic impartiality to show the particularities of the world in which people live.

     Examples of realism include works of Charles Dickens, George Elliot (Middlemarch), and Henry James (1842-1926). The plots of Henry James examine interpersonal relationships and how society’s morals and the structure of society affects these relationships. Published in 1878 "Daisy Miller: A Study" is a work of Realism for its depiction of common characters in the workings of society--a social commentary. James explores societal rules and constructs of women in their relationships with men and how the rest of society (American and European) views these relations. Throughout the story, Winterbourne becomes interested in and 'studies' Daisy, wondering if she is a coquette, an innocent girl, or completely immoral. He wonders if she is consciously or unconsciously defying social norms. This analysis of the European social ladder is a perfect example of realism. In his essay "Henry James, Jr." (1882), Realist author and critic William Dean Howells (1837-1920) praises James' artistic impartiality throughout "Daisy Miller" that leaves conclusions and judgments of characters up to the reader.

(Word count: 295)

Passages 

“Realism is nothing more and nothing less then the truthful treatment of material.” Howells

• This simply states what Realism is. WIth Realism there is no embellishment, no "buffing up," no exaggeration; Realism is just the world around us and how it is perceived.  Realism is a snapshot taken by authors who see the truth of everyday life. 

'"I know why you say that," said Daisy, watching Giovanelli. "Because you think I go round too much with him!" And she nodded at her attendant.

"Everyone thinks so-If you care to know," said Winterbourne.

"Of course I care to know!" Daisy exclaimed seriously. "But I don't believe it. They are only pretending to be shocked. They don't really care a straw what I do. Besides, I don't go round so much."' (James, 425)

• Here we see that Daisy is not actually aware of repercussions of her behavior. She does not realize her actions are not proper, nor does she realize the negative impression people carry of her. This suggests that Daisy's behavior, inappropriate in European society, is quite acceptable in America. Her lack of acclimation to her new surroundings makes her a character of Realism. Her behavior, actions, flaws and strengths are all represented, just as they are, without smudge
• Another perspective on Daisy's reaction is, when Daisy states "they don't care a straw what I do" she's meaning that the only reason they are bothered by her is that she doesn't conform to society's views of "proper." For superficial reasons, this European society has marked Daisy as a social pariah. No, she doesn't understand why they find her actions so newsworthy, and by claiming her ambivalence to the subject, she is asserting the fact that, though society will view her as an outcast, she refuses to give up this bit of freedom.

"She was a young lady whom a gentleman need no longer be at pains to respect." (James, 426)

• This is a moment of realization for Winterbourne. Here, he has finally figured out the "formula" for Daisy's personality. Winterbourne chooses to dismiss any respect he has held towards her. Also, James' wording "pains to respect" suggests respect toward a woman, in this time period, was a mere hassle.
• It could also be argued that Winterbourne still cared for Daisy, and was hurt by the fact that she hadn't waited for him, she was seeing another gentleman, and she was perfectly happy forgetting about him, while he was not capable of forgetting her. Because he was reinforced by society's opinions of Daisy to see her as a "coquette," his anger with her caused him to consider his aunt was right about her.

Key terms

Analog: of a circuit or device having an output (sounds/optics) that is proportional to the input. This was the type of communication developing in the late 1800s.

Phonograph: a device for playing recorded sound, invented in 1877. Phonograph parlors were established so that people could stop by and listen to their favorite tune.

Realism: Unlike Romanticism, Realism draws upon life “as it was.”  There is no exaggeration in these literary works; realist authors made it their goals to be truthful and accurate.  Realism took off as it flourished through photography, but was soon thereafter adopted by authors. Regionalism is a subset of Realism.

Daguerreotype (1836): Was the first successful form of photography developed by Louis-Jacques-Mande Daguerre.  He discovered that if a copper plate coated with silver iodide was exposed to light in a camera, then burned with mercury vapor, then covered by a solution of common salt, a permanent image would form.

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