What was the reactionary movement against Romanticism called?

• A. Impressionism
• B. Realism
• C. Romanticism
• D. Symbolism

Answer: (B)

The movement that followed Romanticism and sought to counter its ideals is known as Realism. Realism emerged in the mid-19th century and aimed to portray everyday life and society as it was, rather than through the emotionally charged and often idealized lens characteristic of Romanticism. While Romanticism emphasized individual experience, emotion, and the sublime beauty of nature, Realism focused on depicting ordinary characters and situations, often highlighting the struggles and conditions of the working class and the realities of urban life.

In literature and the arts, Realism sought to ground artistic expression in authentic experiences and observable realities, rejecting the idealization of subjects common in Romantic works. This shift in focus was also a response to the rapid societal changes brought on by the Industrial Revolution, as artists and writers aimed to capture the more pragmatic and often challenging aspects of contemporary life.

Impressionism, while a reaction to artistic conventions and often seen in conjunction with Realism in the visual arts, focused more on capturing moments and the effects of light and color rather than everyday subject matter. Symbolism, on the other hand, delved into ideas and emotions through symbolic figures and abstract concepts, which again contrasts with the straightforward approaches of Realism.