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Although seemingly identical, recognition and realization are instead two distinct phenomena that are, however, closely related. Recognition implies a simple comprehension, as opposed to a deep understanding. It also suggests that the knowledge had been previously gained, and is now merely being acknowledged. On the other hand, realization is a sudden burst of understanding that implies that the subject was previously unknown.

A perfect example of the distinction between recognition and realization can be found in Heart of Darkness. When Marlowe gets to Africa he realizes the true destitution of the natives. The scene that especially highlights his epiphany is when he meets the well-dressed accountant who is living in luxury compared to the starving natives. Later, when Marlowe is on the boat manned by the natives, he recognizes how they are near starvation and could easily overwhelm him and the captain. Since the knowledge of their poor condition was not new, he was simply recognizing their famishment, as opposed to realizing it.

Another example of a profound realization occurs in a Farewell to Arms. Frederick is immediately introduced to war’s cruel nature when he is injured early on in the novel, and from that moment on his view of the war radically shifts. Frederick recognizes that war is not romantic and glorious, and instead is truly repulsive. It is fortunate of him to have realized this sad fact early on, for it came in handy to him when he was stopped at a checkpoint by the Italian army. Frederick was able to recognize that they were killing the deserters, and was able to escape into the river and avoid punishment. In short, realization is the process of understanding new knowledge, while recognition is merely referencing it.