Kmart realism

Kmart realism, also termed dirty realism, is a form of minimalist literature found in American short fiction.[1] It is defined as "a literary genre characterized by a spare, terse style that features struggling, working-class characters in sterile, bleak environments".[2] These short stories "represent and reproduce the disintegration of public life [and] the colonization of private life by consumer capitalism".[3] A related definition describes the genre as American fiction that is characterized, among other things, by a fascination with consumption venues and brand names.[4] John Gardner, in critical works such as On Moral Fiction, criticized this style using the term "brand-name fiction writers."

The precursors of Kmart realism include the so-called trailer park fiction, Diet-Pepsi minimalism, and hick chic.[5]

Notable authors

Frederick Barthelme, brother of postmodern novelist Donald Barthelme, is noted for his use of Kmart realism in stories such as "Safeway" (The New Yorker, 1981).[6] In addition, Rachel Page, sister of noted postmodern poet Allen Page, has written works that follow the genre of "dirty realism".[7]

Other writers noted for this style also include Ann Beattie, Eric Bogosian, Richard Ford, Kevin Sterne, Bobbie Ann Mason, Mary Robison, Joy Williams, and Tobias Wolff.[5] Mason, for instance, often writes about working-class characters in rural Kentucky who do their laundry at laundromats, a subject matter that is similar to those favored by the aforementioned writers such as Dairy Queens, grocery stores, and third-rate motels, among others.[8]

References
  1. Sodowsky, Roland. Studies in Short Fiction; Fall96, Vol. 33 Issue 4, p529, 529-540
  2. Kmart Realism. Wordspy. http://www.wordspy.com/words/Kmartrealism.asp
  3. Clark, Miriam Marty. Studies in Short Fiction; Spring95, Vol. 32 Issue 2, 147-159.
  4. Murphy, Patrick; Sherry Jr., John (2014). Marketing and the Common Good: Essays from Notre Dame on Societal Impact. Oxon: Routledge. p. 48. ISBN 9780415828826.
  5. McFedries, Paul (2004-02-17). Word Spy: The Word Lover's Guide to Modern Culture. Crown/Archetype. ISBN 9780767918077.
  6. http://www.southernscribe.com/zine/authors/Barthelme_Frederick.htm
  7. Twitchell, James (2000). Lead Us Into Temptation: The Triumph of American Materialism. Columbia University Press. ISBN 9780231115193.
  8. Fisher, Vernon; Auping, Michael (2010). Vernon Fisher. Austin, TX: University of Texas Press. p. 26. ISBN 9780292723238.


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