realism

A detailed Summary of realism

Realism, like beauty, is in the eye's of the beholder. Theodore Fontane's realism in Effi Briest is based on his broad knowledge of different classes of people and their environment, as well as a vivid imagination. Realism is an issue that can play a prominent role in the way events can be presented. In Theodore Fontane's Effi Briest's role we see the literary movement known as Realism. The story takes place in and around the small Baltic sea-port and resorts of Kessin in Prussia. The plot unfolds in the latter part if the nineteenth century at a time when a distinction between classes was keenly evident. Fontane's novel is an excellent example of realism. His different versions of events and his presentation of individual perspectives present social issues as they really exist. The story is based on a time when women like children were to be seen and not heard. Women were restricted and were not expected to have an opinion. It was a time when marriages were arranged between wealthy families, usually orchestrated by one or both parents.

Social issues occupying the everyday conversations of the characters demonstrate the first example of Realism. The issues involved may not be familiar to modern day readers. The id

Effi's mother is telling her daughter that marriage is exactly what it is and not what

There are occurrences in the novel where issues are discussed and accepted, only to find out later that the accepted outcome has been changed to characterize another person's view on the same issue. One instance is that, Innstetten and Effi have different views about what they want in a new home. Both have different opinions on the best time to purchase a house. The following example gives us a realistic view of happenings in the real world. This Realism shows clearly in one conversation between Innstetten and Effi:

It is through these letters, and the individual descriptions, that the reader derives a realistic view of everyday life.

Telling about the Bible jokes at the time of Effi's adulthood is another good example of Realism. "Well, cousin, it's a strange thing....It's not everybody's liking. At the moment, they have Bible jokes." Not everyone approves of this practice that suggests disrespect, for holding ideals in high regard. Bible and jokes do not go together, this belief is Realism to some people. Jokes about the Bible were being written and widely distributed in Germany in this time period. One example of a "Bible joke" is... "The first inefficient cupbearer was Satan, because in the Bible it says, "Satan setteth up a gin for the righteous; but the lot shall fall upon the wicked." You see "gin" and "lot" in different senses." This example demonstrates that respect for the Bible is a past social issue. Controversy over the Realism of the Bible has been an issue since the Bible's beginning. Some hold it as literal truth and reality, while others think otherwise.

The presentations of individual perspectives adds to the Realism of Fontane's work. There are occasions where a single character can help enhance the Realism in the novel. The central individual presentation of issues comes from the many letters that are written. These letters show great deta

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1339
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

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