Theories of Literary Realism

Focusing on the interplay between literary works and reality, this book examines realism's role in literature, tracing its origins to Aristotle's mimesis. It addresses the challenges of defining realism amidst its inherent ambiguities and seeks a balance between literary autonomy and its connections to reality. The author critiques the formalist and New Criticism traditions for overlooking the mimetic dimension, arguing for a more integrated approach that reconnects literature with life, particularly in light of poststructuralist critiques.