When was The Realism Era / Age of Realism?

• A. 1700-1750.
• B. 1860 - 1912.
• C. 1920 - 1950.
• D. 1492 - 1600.

Answer: (B)

Realism in American literature centers on portraying everyday life and social realities with careful detail and a sense of objectivity, moving away from romanticized or heroic storytelling. This movement grows out of the Civil War era and becomes prominent from the 1860s through the early 20th century, as writers concentrate on ordinary people's experiences, regional cultures, and contemporary social issues. A commonly used timeframe for this era is roughly 1860 to 1912, which covers the major developments of Realism and includes authors such as Mark Twain, Henry James, and William Dean Howells.

The other date ranges don’t fit Realism. 1700–1750 aligns with Enlightenment and pre-Revolutionary literature, not Realism. 1920–1950 points to Modernism and later mid-century movements, not Realism. 1492–1600 reflects the colonial era. So, the period 1860–1912 best matches the Realism era in American literature.