Realism, naturalism, and symbolism

by Roland N. Stromberg

These three literary movements [realism, naturalism, symbolism] may be said to have reflected changing taste, in accordance with the propostion that each generation feels a need to express itself in a new way. The nineteenth century was dynamic and turbulent During its first few decades, romanticism had overturned the traditional restraints and rules of classicism, introducing a need for constant change and ever-growing subjectivity which some keen observers predicted could only end in anarchy. Nineteenth-century writers certainly found repose in no single style, but had to experiment constantly. If it is true that each generation is impelled to assert its individuality, and each individual his uniqueness, it was above all true in the restless century that followed the French Revolution and the romantic revolution." [Back cover].