Realism in Fiction

Realism in fiction presents the reader with the unreality of fiction wrapped in an illusion of reality. Characters, plots, and settings are plausible, suggesting that they could actually exist in real life. In most cases, realist authors have derived their stories from actual experiences and issues, so the ring of truth permeates them. Realism enables the reader to engage fully in the story, because he perceives it as true. For the same reason, it facilitates his efforts to deal with real issues in his own life by providing a scenario in which he can explore his feelings, learn from the characters in the book, and "try out" options and solutions in his mind as the characters live them out.

The book Sweet Hereafter by Russell Banks is an excellent example of a realistic story that the reader can engage in and learn from. When a schoolbus driver loses control of the bus on a treacherous

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Category: Literature - R