The specific definition of ‘realism’ has been debated by a number of scholars. According to readings as well as the art publications, the truthful, impartial reflection on reality is shown through a number of types of artistic creativity. Eliot described realism as ‘the principle that all beauty and truth are to be attained with a faithful and a humble study of nature.’ According to her, realism was not limited to mean a naïve concept which writing can be clearly taken to represent the world in reality, Eliot saw realism as an ethical choice as shown in her essay ‘The Natural History of German Life’ , when it says : ‘Art is the nearest thing to life; it is a mode of amplifying experience and extending our contact with our fellow-men beyond the bounds of our personal lot.’
Adam Bede is considered to be George Eliot’s earliest full-length publication, however not the first fiction:. Around 1865 Eliot considered herself an essayist, editor, and lastly reviewer, but she later mentions that ‘it had constantly been a vague illusion of mine on the fact that some time or other I may draft a novel’. She personally feared of being ‘deficient in dramatic power’, which is considered the limit of realism. On the other hand, Adam Bede’s story on the gripping of seduction showed that Eliot had no particular need in worrying. And as “Scenes of the Clerical Lifes” had a decent response, it was Adam Bede that became the bestseller.
The dictionary basically describes ‘Tradition’ as an ‘inherited, customary or established thought pattern, behavior or action (as a practice religious or a custom of social nature)’. Eliot starts the essay with a general take towards ‘Tradition’. She argues that every country and race does possess a creative and crucial turn of mind, as well as emphasizes the need of critical thinking.
Eliot made a comparison of her literature works to painting. This was because impressionism development was considered as a partial response by artists to the issues presented by painters. Both landscape and portrait types of paintings were considered somewhat lacking and lacking in reality as photography shaped lifelike imageries much more competently and reliably.
Realism intersects with the depiction of religious subjects or religion. Examining various faith traditions via devotional images and sacred spaces gives a framework on a thematic survey of societal duties and artistic styles and provides contemporary insight into the faith traditions and contemporary art.
Realism intersects with the representation of social class. Social realism is basically an international art of movement, which includes the painters work, printmakers, filmmakers and photographers, drawing attention to the daily conditions of the the poor and working class. Social realists are crucial of the social beliefs that maintain these conditions. In conclusion, the movement’s features vary from country to country; and almost utilize a kind of critical realism.