A. In the Realism and Regionalism unit, the story that fits the definition of Realism is "A White Heron" by Sarah Orne Jewett. This story is a perfect example of realism because it portrays ordinary characters in a recognizable setting, with the events closely resembling what could happen in everyday life.
The story takes place in a rural setting, where the protagonist, Sylvia, lives with her grandmother. The author uses authentic dialect to capture the speech patterns and language of the characters. The dialogue between Sylvia and the young ornithologist, the stranger who comes to study birds in the area, feels natural and realistic. For example, when the stranger asks Sylvia about the location of the white heron, Sylvia responds, "I can't think where you mean, unless she's in the woods, or down in the swamp. There's a swamp beyond my pasture, and she might be there a-hunting."
The author's voice in "A White Heron" is also objective and matter-of-fact. The story presents the events without any hint of bias or subjective interpretation. The descriptions of the natural surroundings and Sylvia's feelings are presented in a straightforward manner, without embellishments or sentimentalism. For instance, when Sylvia climbs the tall pine tree to spot the heron, the author describes her actions without any emotional commentary, stating, "Sylvia, possessed and borne away by her first wild impulse to sacrifice herself for her loved one, [climbed] higher and higher... with a heart that beat like a fluttering bird's."
Overall, "A White Heron" is a fine example of realism in fiction, as it showcases ordinary characters in a recognizable setting, with an objective author's voice and matter-of-fact tone. The story's events are close to what could happen in everyday life, portraying the interactions between different characters and their connection to the natural world.
C. The stories in this unit reflect the historical period of 1860 to the early 1900s by addressing some of the major issues and changes happening in the country during that time. One example is the story "A New England Nun" by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman, which portrays the restrictions and expectations placed on women in the 19th century.
The protagonist, Louisa Ellis, lives a solitary life as a spinster in a small New England town. This reflects the limited options available to women during this historical period, where marriage was often seen as the only socially acceptable path for women. The story also explores themes of isolation and self-imprisonment, suggesting the impact of societal norms on individual freedom.
Another story that reflects the historical period is "The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" by Mark Twain. This story captures the spirit of the American West during the Gold Rush era. It portrays the optimism, humor, and resourcefulness of the people living in that region during that time.
Overall, the stories in this unit provide insights into the social, cultural, and historical context of the period from 1860 to the early 1900s. They reflect the challenges, changes, and perspectives of individuals living in different regions of America during that time.
Your teacher will grade your response to ensure you receive proper credit for your answer. Your response should include the following to receive the points in parentheses: Respond in a well-organized essay. Answer is written in complete sentences. Respond to two of the following prompts: A. In realistic fiction, ordinary characters speak authentic dialect in recognizable settings. The author's voice is usually objective, and the tone of presentation is matter-of-fact. The events of the stories are close to what does or could happen in everyday life. Choose a story from the Realism and Regionalism unit and decide how it fits the definition of Realism. Use evidence from the text to support your view. B. Regionalism is a form of realism that emphasizes realistic settings, using local dialect, customs, and other specific details of a place. Identify the regional stories in the Realism and Regionalism unit. What part of the country is portrayed, and which details in the story distinguish it from other regions in America? C. Consider what you have learned about American history during the period of 1860 to the early 1900s. How do the stories in this unit reflect what was going on in the country then? Enter your first response in the space provided.
1 answer
1 answer