What is realism as a literary device?

As an expert in the field of literary studies, I can provide a comprehensive understanding of realism as a literary device. Realism is a literary movement that emerged in the mid-19th century, primarily in Europe and the United States, as a response to the romanticism that dominated the literary scene. It is characterized by a commitment to depict life as it is, without idealization or embellishment. The term "realism" is indeed elastic and ambiguous, encompassing a broad range of artistic and literary practices. Let's delve into the nuances of realism in literature.
Realism in literature is a movement that seeks to represent reality in its true form. It is an approach that focuses on the everyday lives of ordinary people, their struggles, and their experiences. The movement is distinct from romanticism, which often emphasizes emotion, nature, and the individual's subjective experience. Realist authors aim to provide a truthful and unvarnished portrayal of the world, capturing the complexities and contradictions inherent in human existence.
One of the key aspects of realism is the depiction of characters that are faithful and accurate. Realist characters are often complex and multi-dimensional, reflecting the diversity and complexity of real people. These characters are not idealized; they have flaws, make mistakes, and face challenges that are common in everyday life. The goal is to create characters that readers can identify with and understand, rather than heroes or villains that are larger than life.
Another important feature of realism is the setting. Realist literature often takes place in the real world, with detailed descriptions of the environment and the social conditions of the time. This attention to detail helps to create a sense of authenticity and immerses the reader in the world of the story. The settings are often mundane or ordinary, reflecting the lives of the characters and the everyday struggles they face.
Realist literature also tends to focus on the everyday and the ordinary. Unlike romanticism, which often focuses on the extraordinary or the ideal, realism is concerned with the commonplace. This focus on the everyday can make the literature more relatable to readers, as it deals with situations and experiences that are familiar to many people.
The language used in realist literature is often straightforward and unadorned. Realist authors strive for clarity and simplicity in their prose, avoiding the flowery language and elaborate metaphors that are common in romantic literature. This straightforward language helps to create a sense of authenticity and makes the literature accessible to a wide range of readers.
Realism also has a strong emphasis on social issues and the problems faced by society. Realist authors often use their works to critique social norms and to highlight the injustices and inequalities that exist in the world. This social commentary is an important aspect of realism, as it reflects the movement's commitment to truth and its desire to provoke thought and discussion.
In conclusion, realism is a literary movement that seeks to provide a faithful and accurate portrayal of life. It is characterized by complex characters, detailed settings, a focus on the everyday, straightforward language, and an emphasis on social issues. Realism has had a significant impact on literature and continues to be an influential movement to this day.

REALISM: An elastic and ambiguous term with two meanings. (1) First, it refers generally to any artistic or literary portrayal of life in a faithful, accurate manner, unclouded by false ideals, literary conventions, or misplaced aesthetic glorification and beautification of the world.