What are the characteristics of 19th century realist French fiction?

Balzac is one of the most prominent. His 'La Comédie Humaine' is a vast collection that gives a comprehensive view of French society at that time.

The main characteristics include detailed descriptions of daily life. For example, in the works of Dickens, he vividly depicted the slums and the lives of the poor. It also focused on ordinary people as main characters, rather than just the aristocracy. Moreover, there was a sense of social criticism, often highlighting the problems in society like inequality and injustice.

The 18th - century realist novel often had detailed descriptions of everyday life. For example, it might show the social hierarchies, economic situations, and cultural norms of the time. Characters were more complex, not just simply good or bad. Writers like Daniel Defoe and Henry Fielding were important in this genre. Defoe's 'Robinson Crusoe' showed the struggle of a man alone on an island, which was also a reflection of the human condition in the real world.

Religious and moral themes were common. The society was still very much influenced by the Church, so many novels carried moral lessons. They might show the consequences of sin or the rewards of virtue. Some novels were also used as a means to promote certain religious values or to criticize the moral decay of the society.

They often had complex characters. For example, in novels like 'The Dangerous Liaisons', the characters are full of contradictions, with their moral and immoral sides intertwined. Their plots were also elaborate, usually involving the upper - class society and their intrigues.

One characteristic is the exploration of existential themes. As seen in Camus' works, characters often struggle with the meaning of life. Another is the complex use of language. Writers like Proust use very elaborate and detailed descriptions.

They often had complex characters. For example, in Victor Hugo's 'Les Misérables', Jean Valjean is a multi - faceted character with a past of crime but also great capacity for good.

In 16th century French romance novels, one notable characteristic was the idealization of the female characters. They were depicted as delicate, beautiful, and often the object of the male protagonist's unwavering love. The plots usually revolved around the pursuit of love against various obstacles, such as family opposition or rival suitors. The novels also reflected the religious and moral values of the era. For instance, the idea of purity in love was emphasized. Moreover, they provided a window into the lifestyle of the French upper classes during that period, with descriptions of grand balls, palaces, and luxurious living. This not only added to the allure of the love stories but also served as a form of cultural documentation.

They often feature complex love stories. The settings are usually in different parts of France, like Paris or the French countryside. Characters tend to be from different social classes, which adds to the drama of the love stories.

There were quite a few. Charles Dickens is an obvious choice. He was great at portraying the social problems through his stories. Then there was Leo Tolstoy from Russia. His works like 'War and Peace' and 'Anna Karenina' were masterpieces. And in France, Emile Zola was also prominent, known for his detailed and often gritty portrayals of society in works like 'Germinal'." "Answer3": "Prominent authors in 19th century realist fiction include many. Firstly, there's Dickens who brought to life the Victorian England with its many social ills and colorful characters. Austen was also important, as she delved into the world of genteel society and courtship. In addition, Thomas Hardy was a significant figure. His novels, like 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles', explored rural life and the struggles of the working class against a backdrop of a changing society. And of course, Flaubert, whose works had a great impact on the development of realist fiction with their precise and unflinching descriptions.