Question

Label each excerpt with the literary period it belongs to.

romanticism
realism
He had never seen dogs fight as these wolfish creatures.
fought, and his first experience taught him an unforgetable
lesson. It is true, it was a vicarious experience, else he would
not have lived to profit by it. Curly was the victim.
In one of the mighty triumphs given to a Roman general upon
his entering the world's capital, the bones of a whale, brought
all the way from the Syrian coast, were the most
conspicuous object in the cymballed procession.
Oh, God! to sail with such a heathen crew that have small
touch of human mothers in them! Whelped somewhere by
the sharkish sea. The white whale is their demigorgon.
for of the many Southland dogs he had known, not one
had shown up worthily in camp and on trail. They were all
too soft, dying under the toil, the frost, and starvation.

Answer 1

The first and fourth excerpts exhibit themes associated with Realism, specifically Naturalism, while the third excerpt's intense emotion and mythological references suggest Romanticism. The second excerpt's classification is less clear but leans towards Realism.

Step-by-step explanation:

Classifying Literary Periods

When classifying the provided excerpts into the appropriate literary period, we must consider the thematic content and stylistic features that define Romanticism and Realism. Romanticism, emerging in the late eighteenth century, celebrated freedom of expression, nature, and the emotional experiences of individuals. In contrast, Realism, dominant in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, focused on accurate depictions of everyday life and often explored social issues in a more stark and gritty manner.

"He had never seen dogs fight as these...": This excerpt suggests a focus on nature and the animalistic aspects of existence, aligning it with Naturalism, therefore, and by extension, with the broader purview of Realism.

"In one of the mighty triumphs given to a Roman general...": This excerpt lacks context to properly associate it with a particular period. However, given the historical and ceremonial detail, it seems more aligned with Realism, given its attention to detail.

"Oh, God! to sail with such a heathen crew...": The intense emotion and reference to the natural and mythological ('the sharkish sea' and 'demigorgon') strongly suggest Romanticism.

"for of the many Southland dogs he had known...": With an emphasis on survival in a harsh environment, this excerpt also leans towards Realism, particularly Naturalism, which depicts the struggle against unforgiving circumstances.