In Realism-era writing, which aspect is emphasized in portraying people?

• A. An emphasis on the contrast between character motivation and action
• B. An emphasis on outward realism and social observation
• C. An emphasis on magical elements and the supernatural
• D. An emphasis on ornate diction and classical forms

Answer: (A)

Realism in American literature centers on how real people think and act under everyday pressures, showing the inner pull of motives alongside actual behavior. The best choice captures this by pointing to the gap between what a character intends or desires and what they actually do—the contrast between motivation and action. Realist writers want to expose how environment, social expectations, and personal flaws shape conduct, often revealing complexity, ambiguity, and imperfect choices rather than neat, predetermined outcomes. This focus distinguishes Realism from simply depicting surface realism or social conditions, and from supernatural or ornate stylistic tendencies that Realism moves away from.