Assess the style, tone, and content of the following passage and determine if it is the work of an American Romantic or American Realist. “The third night the house was crammed again – and they warn't new-comers this time, but people that was at the show the other two nights. I stood by the duke at the door, and I see that every man that went in had his pockets bulging, or something muffled up under his coat -- and I see it warn't no perfumery, neither, not by a long sight. I smelt sickly eggs by the barrel, and rotten cabbages, and such things; and if I know the signs of a dead cat being around, and I bet I do, there was sixty-four of them went in.” (1 point) Responses American Romantic American Romantic American Realist
The style of the passage is a colloquial and informal narrative style, with the use of contractions and informal language such as "warn't," "smelt," and "bet I do."
The tone of the passage is sarcastic and skeptical, as the narrator describes the suspicious behavior of the people attending the show and their bulging pockets. The use of phrases like "not by a long sight" and "if I know the signs" adds a critical tone to the passage.
The content of the passage focuses on the observation of the narrator regarding the people attending the show and their possible hidden items, such as eggs, cabbages, and dead cats. The passage also mentions the previous nights' shows and the return of some of the same people.
Based on these characteristics, the passage is more indicative of the style, tone, and content of an American Realist writer.
The style and tone of the passage are informal and descriptive, with a focus on sensory details. The content of the passage describes a crowded house and the observations made by the narrator, including the bulging pockets and strange smells of the people entering the house.
Based on these characteristics, the passage is more likely the work of an American Realist. American Realists were known for their detailed observation of everyday life and their objective portrayal of reality, including the flaws and less glamorous aspects of society. The passage's emphasis on specific details and the narrator's direct observations align with the objective and realistic approach typically associated with American Realism.
To assess the style, tone, and content of the passage and determine if it is the work of an American Romantic or American Realist, we can analyze some key characteristics of both literary movements.
American Romanticism, which was prominent in the 19th century, emphasized individualism, imagination, and intense emotions. Romantic writers often focused on the supernatural, the exotic, and the spiritual aspects of life. Their works typically featured idealized characters, nature, and a belief in the inherent goodness of humanity.
On the other hand, American Realism, which emerged in the late 19th century, aimed to depict life as it actually was, without idealization or romanticizing. Realist writers focused on ordinary people and everyday events, presenting a realistic portrayal of society and its social, economic, and political issues.
Now, let's examine the passage in question:
“The third night the house was crammed again – and they warn't new-comers this time, but people that was at the show the other two nights. I stood by the duke at the door, and I see that every man that went in had his pockets bulging, or something muffled up under his coat -- and I see it warn't no perfumery, neither, not by a long sight. I smelt sickly eggs by the barrel, and rotten cabbages, and such things; and if I know the signs of a dead cat being around, and I bet I do, there was sixty-four of them went in.”
Based on the style, tone, and content of the passage, it can be concluded that it is more in line with American Realism rather than American Romanticism. Here's why:
1. Style: The passage uses a straightforward and direct style, without any embellishments or excessive poetic language. This aligns with the realist approach of presenting events as they are, without romanticizing them.
2. Tone: The tone of the passage is matter-of-fact and observational. There is no heightened emotional or idealistic language. The narrator is simply describing what they see and smell, without imposing any personal beliefs or emotions.
3. Content: The content of the passage focuses on the details of a crowded event, the behavior of the people attending, and the unpleasant smells. There is no mention of supernatural or spiritual elements, nor is there any emphasis on nature or idealized characters. The passage presents a realistic depiction of a situation without embellishment.
Therefore, based on these observations, it can be concluded that the passage is more characteristic of American Realism than American Romanticism.