Final answer:
Charles Dickens and social critics of his time focused on highlighting social issues and the harsh realities of urban life, as opposed to Romantic artists, who emphasized emotion and the sublime aspects of nature.
Step-by-step explanation:
Social critics like Charles Dickens differed from Romantic artists in that they were less focused on emotions and nature, which is the correct answer to the question provided by the student. Dickens is an example of a realist writer who highlighted social inequalities and the struggles of the urban poor and working-class in his works, emphasizing the need for social reform and change. His detailed depictions of life showed the often-harsh realities of contemporary society, in contrast to Romanticists who emphasized emotion, beauty, particularly in nature, and the individual's imagination. The Romantic movement idealized nature and the ancient, while realist and social critics exposed the darker sides of the industrialized cities and the plight of the marginalized in society.