摘要：批判现实主义是19世纪兴起的文艺思潮，其文学特点是针砭时弊、揭露丑恶、批判现实。批判现实主义作家用幽默讽刺、犀利丰富的语言描述了人性的复杂和社会发展中的矛盾，肯定了平凡人和普通人、劳动者和创造者所应有的享受幸福的权利。
批判但不绝望
· 批判现实主义作家专题 ·
批判现实主义是19世纪兴起的文艺思潮，其文学特点是针砭时弊、揭露丑恶、批判现实。批判现实主义作家用幽默讽刺、犀利丰富的语言描述了人性的复杂和社会发展中的矛盾，肯定了平凡人和普通人、劳动者和创造者所应有的享受幸福的权利。
马克·吐温、王尔德、欧·亨利是19世纪末至20世纪初批判现实主义英语文学代表人物，他们的作品直接剖析现实，揭露生活中的种种弊端，以理想主义的光辉，有力地校正着社会发展中的偏差。
正如世人对伟大的批判现实主义文学巨匠契诃夫的评价：“当他讲自己的时候，我们仿佛觉得这也是在说我们。”
Critical realism emerged as a major literary movement in the 19th century, characterized by its unflinching critique of social ills, its exposure of injustice, and its deep engagement with reality. Writers of this tradition employed humor, satire, and vivid, incisive language to portray the complexities of human nature and the contradictions within social development. They affirmed the fundamental right of ordinary people, workers, and creators to pursue happiness and dignity.
Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, and O. Henry stand as representative figures of English-language critical realism from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Their works boldly dissected reality, exposed the flaws of everyday life, and, through the light of idealism, helped to correct the course of social development.
As the world once said of the great realist master Anton Chekhov: “When he speaks of himself, it feels as though he is speaking of us all.”
01
马克·吐温
（Mark Twain）
马克·吐温，原名塞缪尔·朗赫恩·克莱门斯，1835年出生于密苏里州的一个小镇，是美国文学史上最重要的作家之一。吐温的作品以其独特的幽默感和深刻的讽刺风格而闻名，他被普遍认为是“美国文学之父”。他的写作生涯始于新闻记者和船长的工作经历，这些丰富的社会体验成为其作品的素材基础。他的代表作《汤姆·索亚历险记》和《哈克贝里·芬历险记》，通过少年冒险的视角，呈现了19世纪美国南部的社会图景与文化冲突。吐温挑战权威与传统，用幽默揭示社会不公。他的作品跨越时空，被认为是揭示人性与自由精神的不朽经典。
Mark Twain, born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, was one of the most significant writers in American literary history. Known for his sharp wit and satire, Twain is often hailed as the "Father of American Literature." His early careers as a journalist and riverboat pilot provided rich material for his novels. His best-known works, ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’ and ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’, use youthful adventures to portray the complexities of 19th-century American society. Twain’s works challenge social norms and authority, combining humor with moral insight. His legacy continues to influence literature and culture worldwide.
《哈克贝利·费恩历险记》
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
作者：Mark Twain
出版者：译林出版社，2020
索书号：I712.84/WM23
这部小说是美国文学的巅峰之作之一，讲述少年哈克与逃奴吉姆在密西西比河上的历险。表面上是童年冒险故事，实则揭露南方社会种族歧视与道德虚伪，展现了少年良知对抗制度的勇气。
This novel is a cornerstone of American literature, following young Huck and escaped slave Jim as they journey down the Mississippi River. Beneath the adventurous surface lies a profound critique of slavery, racism, and social hypocrisy, with Huck’s moral awakening at its heart.
02
奥斯卡·王尔德
（Oscar Wilde）
奥斯卡·王尔德，爱尔兰出生的英国作家，是19世纪末最耀眼的文学才子之一。他以机智语言、唯美风格和对维多利亚道德的讽刺著称，是浪漫主义与唯美主义的代表人物。王尔德涉猎广泛，其小说、戏剧和童话皆为文学瑰宝。他的作品语言优美，逻辑严谨，通过讽刺揭露社会虚伪，展现深刻的道德洞察与人文关怀。他虽命运多舛，却留下了不朽的美学与文学遗产，被誉为“智慧与忧郁并存的诗人”。
Oscar Wilde, born in Ireland, was one of the most brilliant literary figures of the late 19th century. Known for his wit, aesthetic style, and critiques of Victorian morality, he was a central figure in the Aesthetic and Romantic movements. Wilde’s literary range included novels, plays, poetry, and fairy tales. His refined language and sharp irony reflect both social critique and human compassion. Despite a tragic personal life, Wilde left behind a lasting legacy of brilliance and boldness, forever known as a poet of wit and sorrow.
《快乐王子：石榴之家》
The Happy Prince：The house
of pomegranates
作者：Oscar Wilde
出版者：中央编译出版社，2013
索书号：H319.4/WW406
这则童话讲述了一尊雕像“快乐王子”与一只小燕子的感人故事。他们为了帮助穷人不断牺牲自己，最终凋零。作品温柔而深刻，寓意奉献、爱与社会良知，被誉为成人与儿童共享的抒情寓言。
This fairy tale tells the story of the gilded statue of the Happy Prince and a little swallow who sacrifice themselves to aid the poor. With its poetic language and emotional depth, it symbolizes love, compassion, and selflessness. It is a moving allegory for readers of all ages.
03
欧·亨利
（O. Henry）
欧·亨利，原名威廉·西德尼·波特，是美国短篇小说的代表人物，以幽默风趣与出人意料的结局而闻名。他关注底层小人物，通过温暖的笔触揭示人性之美，被誉为“短篇小说之王”。他曾做过药剂师、银行职员、记者等多种工作，生活阅历丰富。他笔下的角色虽平凡，却拥有打动人心的善良与智慧。他的故事富有戏剧张力，结尾常出人意料，却不失温柔力量，揭示着生活中细微却动人的真情。
O. Henry, born William Sydney Porter, is a celebrated master of the American short story. Famous for his clever plot twists and humorous style, he depicted the lives of ordinary people with great warmth and humanity. With a diverse background—ranging from pharmacist to journalist—O. Henry drew inspiration from everyday life. His characters, often humble, reflect deep emotional strength and wit. His stories, often humorous and ironic, are celebrated for their surprise endings and gentle human insight, capturing the essence of everyday life.
《最后一片叶子》
100 selected stories
作者：O. Henry
出版者：Wordsworth Editions,1995
一位年轻画家罹患重病，相信窗外最后一片叶落时她也将死去。她的邻居，一位年迈画家，在暴风夜中冒死画下那片“永不凋零”的叶子，自己却病逝。故事短小精悍，却深刻讲述信念、牺牲与爱，是欧·亨利最感人的作品之一。
In this poignant story, a young artist with pneumonia believes she will die when the last ivy leaf falls. Her elderly neighbor secretly paints a leaf during a stormy night to restore her hope, sacrificing his life in the process. A tale of faith, sacrifice, and love, it is one of O. Henry’s most touching works.
来源：江南水乡生活见闻