Realism Project- "Two Views of the River"

The work of literature by Mark Twain called "Two Views of the River" is kind of a sad, depressing example of Realism. The story starts with Twain expressing his love for nature and the beauty of the land, the water, and the trees (Twain 504). He speaks about how certain landmarks in nature meant so much to him as a child, and they will always hold special places in his heart. He speaks of the romance that is associated with the setting sun and the beautiful, wonderful masterpieces nature has created (Twain 504). However, the mood soon shifts. Twain begins speaking about how he had once viewed nature as wonderful and beautiful; however, he had been naive and had not experienced many of the events he now had experienced (Twain 505). Now, instead of simply seeing the wonders of nature as beautiful and exotic, he now saw them for what they really were. Instead of taking nature for granted and not really thinking in depth about how or why things came to be, he had just accepted them as they were. Now, instead, he is beginning to see things for what they really are scientifically and realistically. For example, a bluff reef, instead of being a wonderful creation, Twain was now seeing as an obstacle that someone would more than likely crash a boat on (Twain 505). A different and unique pattern on a tree was not simply wonderful, but a defect. Twain then began thinking about doctors and people: Does a doctor see a his wife, a woman, as a beautiful and distinct human being? Or is she seen as an object, and the blush on her cheek is a sign of defect instead of a sign of individuality (Twain 505)?

The dramatic change in mindset from naive to realistic shows the Realism in this short story. Realism is seen as Twain began to describe situations such as the boat crashing on the reef (Twain 505). As situations in his mind become less romantic and more scientific and factual, Realism is clearly expressed (Diamond). As he describes the doctor and the woman, Twain even begins to show a scientific mindset, which is definitely prominent in the category of Regionalism. Another characteristic is the absence of God throughout the entire sequence (Diamond). Science is mentioned, while God is not, which definitely shows the culture change the literary world was experiencing during this time frame. For example, if a story was written that was similar to this a couple hundred years back, that story would most likely be about the change in mindset between being naive and realize God' plan in the creation of each object and item (Diamond). Instead of focusing on the scientific point of view, God would be the one that had created all of the diversity and beauty that is found in nature (Diamond). Because of this absence of God and the presence of scientific understanding, Realism is extremely prominent in the story (Diamond). Also, Twain's dramatic switch in mindset and point of view that allows him to see objects and nature in a realistic manner instead of a romantic manner allows readers to understand why "Two Views of the River" is considered a work of Realism.

WORKS CITED

Diamond, Marie Josephine, ed. "realism." Encyclopedia of World Writers, 19th and 20th Centuries. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2003. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE54&SID=5&iPin= GEWW480&SingleRecord=True (accessed January 28, 2011).

Twain, Mark. "From Two Views of the River." Glencoe Literature. Comp. Jeffrey D. Wilhelm. Columbus: McGraw Hill, 2009. 504-505. Print.