* To accurately portray everyday life: Realists focused on the lives of ordinary people, often from the lower or middle classes, exploring their struggles, relationships, and daily routines. They shunned idealized or romantic portrayals of life.
* To show the influence of social and economic conditions: Realists explored how social structures, economic inequality, and historical events impacted individual lives. They aimed to expose the harsh realities of poverty, industrialization, and social injustice.
* To portray characters with psychological depth: Realist writers sought to present characters with realistic flaws and motivations, highlighting their complexities and inner struggles. They focused on their characters' thoughts, feelings, and motivations rather than simply their actions.
* To employ a realistic style: Realists used a straightforward, often unembellished writing style, avoiding poetic language or melodrama. They focused on dialogue that sounded natural and accurate, using vernacular language and colloquialisms.
* To explore social issues and challenge societal norms: Realist literature often tackled controversial topics like poverty, prostitution, alcoholism, and religious hypocrisy, aiming to raise awareness and spark social change.
In summary, the goal of realist writers was to present a truthful and unflinching view of the world, highlighting the complexities of human nature and the realities of social life. They aimed to challenge romanticism and idealized portrayals of reality, offering a more grounded and realistic reflection of life.