Discuss the notion of realism in "The Prime of Miss J. Brodie".

Realism is a very prominent feature in this novel. The use of such historical dates and references gives the book as well as the characters a very real touch, making the characters lives and surroundings so real that you begin to wonder if these people, from Miss Brodie to Mary McGregor, really existed. The setting is Edinburgh early 1930s, only a few years after Spark's childhood. Firstly we must ask why Edinburgh? The setting compliments …

…and Churchill" further injecting the novel with reality. It is obvious that Muriel Spark had a clear picture and could actually see her characters taking the same route and seeing the same sights as she did throughout her life. The sense of realism is therefore present throughout the book. As mentioned it is a very prominent feature and this tool allows Muriel Spark to vividly portray her vision and emerge with such a unique piece.