Realism's Empire

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Exploring the tension between realism and the anxieties of modernity, this book examines how canonical realist novels reflect fears surrounding scientific progress and imperialism. It highlights the paradox of realism's dependence on these advancements while simultaneously expressing nostalgia for the mysteries and traditions being lost. By analyzing the interplay between literary form and societal change, the work reveals how major novelists grappled with the implications of a rapidly modernizing world, making nostalgia an integral aspect of their narratives.