chapter 8 realistic fiction. what is realistic fiction? presents moral challenges in a here- and-now...
TRANSCRIPT
Chapter 8 Realistic Fiction
What is Realistic Fiction?
• Presents moral challenges in a here-and-now setting
• Derived from actual circumstances• Realistic settings and characters• Problems and possibilities that are
within the range of possibilities• Problems raise moral questions
Characters
• Resemble real people
• Live in a place that is or could be real
• Participate in a plausible, if not probable, series of events
• Presented with a dilemma that is of interest to children
• Discover a realistic solution
Value of Realistic Fiction
• Feel that they are not alone
• Learn to reflect on their choices
• Develop empathy for other people
• See life experiences beyond their own
• Take a humorous, enjoyable look at life
• See themselves reflected in literature
Evolution
• 1719 Defoe, Robinson Crusoe• 1826 Cooper, Last of the Mohicans• 1868 Alcott, Little Women
Horatio Alger, Ragged Dick• 1890’s Twain, Adventures of Tom
Sawyer and Huck Finn• Black Beauty, Secret Garden,
Pollyannna, Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew
From New Realism to Diverse Perspectives
• After WWII fiction about and written by a diverse population began to appear.
• Are contemporary books too realistic?
Categories
• Self Discovery, Growing Up - Dear Mr. Henshaw
• Families - Shiloh, Joey Pigza Looses Control
• Interpersonal Relations - Harriet the Spy
• School - Nothing but the Truth
• Sports - The Moves Make the Man
Categories Continued
• Nature and Animals - Dogsong
• Survival - Hatchet, Julie of the Wolves
• Romance & Sexuality - Absolutely Normal Chaos
• Exceptional Children - Summer of the Swans
• Moral Dilemmas & Responsiblity
Categories Continued
• Social Diversity & Society - Yolanda’s Genius
• Death and Dying - Bridge to Terabithia
• Mystery Books - The Westing Game, From the Mixed-up Files of …..
• Humorous Books - Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
Categories Continued
• Series Books
• Multicultural/International - A Step from Heaven
How Realistic Fiction Works• Makes reader believe that what is described
might really happen• Details are very meaningful and makes the
plot believable• Must help the reader find significance and
purpose in life• Encourages one way of seeing events more
so than any other - gives a slant• Point of view creates the slant
Criteria for Evaluating and Selecting Realistic Fiction
• Do the characters resemble real people
• Are the events plausible
• Will children readily grasp the insights and are they lead by action and not the author’s explicit instruction
• Are the descriptions of people accurate, given the historical and social setting
Criteria Continued• Does the plot avoid the manipulative devices
of sentimentality and sensationalism• Is the style pleasing, engaging• Is the plot resolution believable - not
contrived to end in a certain way• Is the story imaginative or original• Do the events, descriptions or styles of
speech demean people
Criteria Continued
• Does the author avoid being condescending to children
• Does it give children something to think about