Final answer:
The realism movement, which aimed to portray life truthfully, hindered the popularity of traditional literature by focusing on the everyday life of ordinary people rather than romanticized ideals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The popularity of traditional literature was hindered by realism, an artistic movement that began in France in the 1850s. Realism was a response to romanticism, and it sought to portray life as it truly was, rather than the idealized, emotional, and often extravagant depiction presented in Romantic literature. Therefore, the correct answer is: a) The new realism movement. Realism focused on everyday life and the ordinary person, depicting the contemporary world with truth and honesty. This contrasted sharply with Romantic literature, which glorified nature, common people, exotic places, and historical events. By presenting scenes of life's uglier aspects, realism gave a voice to those who were not represented by the romantic ideal, reflecting the changes of the Industrial and Commercial Revolutions.