Question

Explain why this passage is considered realist.

Answer 1

Literary Realism, as the name suggests, focuses on describing the world as it is, without filters, in all of its mundane glory. One of its main characteristics is that everyday occurrences, especially of middle and lower classes, are described in great detail.

Step-by-step explanation:

That is why this passage of Kate Chopin's "The Awakening" is considered realist. The author placed great importance in describing this lazy Sunday morning. It's as if readers can watch the scene being unveiled right before their eyes: some people asleep, some walking to church, the Sunday clothes they're wearing, the prayer-book in hand, the hat being put on, etc. Another author from a different literary movement would most likely not have put so much effort into enumerating so many details of such a trivial event. This is truly a trait of Realism.

Answer 2

This passage is considered realist because it revealed some characters who did things the way it was. The lady in black, with her Sunday prayer book just followed the lovers who were strolling to the wharf. Old Monsieur Farival was ready to do whatever that suggested itself; so, he picked up his umbrella and put on his hat and just followed the lady in black. These show that these characters just did things the way they saw others do it. Also, a line in the passage which referred to Old Monsieur Farival revealed that this passage is considered as realist: "...and was more than half inclined to do anything that suggested itself".

Step-by-step explanation:

Realist has to do with acceptance of a situation just as it is and being ready to deal with it accordingly. From the passage, we see that some of the characters mentioned just did what they did just as they found it to be. Also, they acted upon what they saw.