Definition of Regionalism

Regionalism is the literary subgenre of Realism. In this genre, the writer uses themes and ideas particular to the area and setting (Anderson). A lot of emphasis is given to the setting, as well as the history to develop the universal theme of each piece of Regionalism literature. A Regionalism author, even if creating a fictional story, oftentimes draws details from real places and ideals from particular areas. This oftentimes adds very specific details and drama to how characters interact and to the environment in which they interact (Anderson). One example of how a writer would use regionalism would be as in writing about the Midwest, there would be a use of small towns, rural settings, and characters with strong values about family as these are traits and characteristics particular to that area. For most writers of Regionalism literature, the more specific they become with details of settings, the stronger and more believable the characters become which eventually allow the writer to tie in universal themes and values held by the character that were caused by the setting they are in (Anderson). The connection to Realism can be made because as an author chooses to use settings particular to an area, the characters fit into the setting well. This is what oftentimes makes the protagonist an everyday, common person rather than the traditional "super hero." There are many famous American writers that were very good at using the style of Regionalism. Willa Cather, William Faulkner, Ellen Glasgow, and Robert Penn Warren, all used Regionalism to add specific details to the setting and ultimately create a character that truly is a part of the setting (Werlock). The stories associated with Regionalism are often the most believable, even if fictitious, because the setting and the characters become one in the same. Universal themes are drawn from both the character and the setting because both are of equal importance to the theme. Regionalism is a major part of the genre of Realism because of its focus on setting to create a truly believable story.



Works Cited

Anderson, George P., Judith S. Baughman, Matthew J. Bruccoli, and Carl Rollyson, eds."regionalism." Encyclopedia of American Literature: Into the Modern: 1896–1945, vol. 3, Revised Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2008. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. Online. http://fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE54&SID=5&iPin= EAmL1330&SingleRecord=True. February 6, 2011.

Werlock, Abby H. P. "regionalism." The Facts On File Companion to the American Short Story, Second Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2009. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. Online. http://fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE54&SID=5&iPin= Gamshrtsty0581&SingleRecord=True. February 6, 2011.