Introduction

Pieces of art and literature can be studied and categorized based upon fundamental elements that are present in the works. This is true of works produced during the Realist movement in the United States. As with other artistic and literary movements, artists and writers chose their subject matter and the methods of portraying it very carefully. Realists chose to portray life realistically rather than romantically as in the previous era.

For this exercise, you will look at different paintings from the period of American Realism and read a sample from American Realist writer Kate Chopin. Then you will evaluate the style of each work and explain why these pieces are considered to be examples of American Realism. What characteristics are present in these works that place them as Realist?

Stories to Explore

American Realism Paintings (http://www.nga.gov/collection/gallery/gg68/gg68-main1.html)
Kate Chopin (http://kclibrary.nhmccd.edu/awakening.htm)

Directions

Start with "Tour: Homer and Eakins: American Painters in the Late 1800s" on the National Gallery of Art Web site. Click on each of the paintings and observe the subject of the painting as well as the style used to paint it. After you have finished examining the paintings, go to "Kate Chopin's The Awakening" on the Kingwood College Library Web site. On this site, read the introduction and then scroll down towards the bottom to "Suggested Web Sites." Click on " The Awakening" and read a few selections from the book. Read at least three chapters and take notes about why you think this is considered an example American Realism.

1.	Once you have finished exploring the Web sites, evaluate the style of each of the paintings and of the selections from The Awakening, and explain why these pieces are considered to be part of American Realism. What characteristics are present in these works that place them in the Realism category?