Unruly Realism: Conventions and Contestations

How unruly is nineteenth-century American realism? On November 26–27, 2026, the workshop “Unruly Realism” takes a closer look at the unexpected turns and contradictions of American realist fiction.

The workshop Unruly Realism: Conventions and Contestations in 19th-Century American Realist Fiction will take place on 26–27 November 2026 at the Internationales Begegnungszentrum (IBZ) in Erfurt. It is co-organized by Prof. Dr. Ilka Lensen-Saal (University of Erfurt) and Dr. Antonia Purk (University of Mannheim).

The workshop revisits nineteenth-century American realism by examining the tensions and contradictions within its literary conventions. Particular attention will be given to the ways in which realist fiction incorporates elements of the sentimental, uncanny, theatrical, and grotesque, challenging established aesthetic norms and opening up new possibilities for cultural and political critique. The workshop also highlights the contributions of women writers and writers of color whose works both engage with and challenge the conventions of realism.

For further information, please contact Ilka Lensen-Saal (ilka.saal@uni-erfurt.de) or Antonia Purk (antonia.purk@uni-mannheim.de).