Contemporary Realism

Adventure stories are one area of genre we find under the heading of contemporary realism. Survival stories are adventures that focus on a person or group of people up against the forces of nature with which they must overcome or become a part. Island of the Blue Dolphins and Defoe's Robinson Crusoe are classic examples of survival novels..

Mystery or detective stories are a form of romance, diversion fiction creating a world which is more exciting, dangerous, and beautiful then we believe our own to be. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and Nancy Drew mysteries fall under this heading.

Having a sense of humor helps us to be able to laugh at ourselves and the challenges we face. Most successful relationships have humor at a key ingredient. Humorous adventure with its variety of humorous characters, situations, and language include tales such as can be found in the series of Amelia Bedelia, by Peggy Parish and Ramona, by Beverly Cleary.

Domestic realism refers to tales which focus on everyday etiquette, customs and rules of society. Generally they will contain a episodic plot which works well with stories about the family's everyday life and activities. More then a century old, Little Women and Louisa May Alcott's other stories are classic examples of domestic realism. The Secret Garden and Anne of Green Gables also fit into this category of stories about home and the families daily activities.

Social realism concentrates mainly on problems of society. These struggles include; crime, education, corruption, working conditions, poverty, crime- and how these issues influence the characters in the story. Recently novels of social realism consist of unromantic tales examining the importance of social issues we face in our world today. Topics of social realism also may include; effects of poverty and war, the aged, those with special