* Physical environment: This includes the geographical location, weather, time of day, and the physical objects in the setting. For example, a novel set in a bustling city will have a different external reality than one set in a remote village.
* Historical context: This includes the social, political, and economic conditions of the time period in which the story takes place. It shapes the characters' actions, beliefs, and motivations.
* Social norms and values: The societal expectations and rules that govern behavior in the fictional world. These can be specific to certain cultures or time periods, and can influence how characters interact with each other and with the world around them.
* Events beyond the characters' control: This includes things like natural disasters, wars, political upheaval, and economic crises. These events can significantly impact the characters' lives and shape the direction of the story.
How External Reality Influences Literature:
* Creates a sense of realism: By grounding the story in a tangible world, external reality helps readers believe in the fictional world and the characters inhabiting it.
* Shapes the characters' motivations: The external reality in which characters live influences their desires, fears, and goals. For example, a character living in poverty might be driven by a desire for wealth or security.
* Contributes to conflict: External events or forces can create conflict for characters, forcing them to confront challenges and make difficult choices.
* Creates a sense of place: By describing the physical environment, external reality helps readers visualize the story's setting and experience it in a more immersive way.
* Reflects real-world concerns: Writers often use literature to comment on social issues, political realities, or historical events, drawing on external reality to create a powerful commentary on the human condition.
Examples:
* In "The Great Gatsby," the roaring 20s with its wealth, extravagance, and social upheaval is a significant part of the external reality that shapes the story and its characters.
* In "To Kill a Mockingbird," the Jim Crow South, with its racial prejudice and inequality, is a crucial part of the external reality that drives the story and its characters.
* In "1984," the dystopian society with its oppressive government and constant surveillance is a constructed external reality that highlights the dangers of totalitarianism.
By understanding how external reality is portrayed in literature, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the story's themes, characters, and meaning.