Realism and Naturalism in American Literature: A Complete and Detailed Guide Introduction Overall, Realism and Naturalism in American literature represent a significant departure from fantasy-driven storytelling toward a more grounded and honest reflection of human life. In contrast to earlier literary traditions, which often celebrated romantic heroes, poetic justice, and idealized emotions, these movements introduced characters firmly rooted in ordinary experiences. Rather than idealizing life, they chose to present it as it was—complex, flawed, and often unpredictable. Instead of focusing on the extraordinary, writers aimed to depict the daily lives,…
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The Realism and Naturalism Period in American literature focused on portraying everyday life with honesty and accuracy. Writers during this era explored real social issues, human struggles, and the impact of environment and heredity on character. This category features key authors, major themes, and defining works that shaped the movement from the late 19th to early 20th century.