Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

realist-fiction

noun

/ˈriːəlɪst ˈfɪkʃən/

Definition

Realist fiction is a genre of literature that aims to represent real life and everyday activities as accurately and truthfully as possible.

Examples

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck is a classic example of realist fiction that delves into the struggles of American farmers during the Great Depression.
Middlemarch by George Eliot is another notable work that explores the lives and moral dilemmas of people in a provincial town.
Many contemporary novels such as The Road by Cormac McCarthy also embrace realistic themes depicting a post-apocalyptic world.

Meaning

Realist fiction focuses on ordinary characters, situations, and settings, eschewing fantastical elements for stories that reflect the complexities of real human experiences.