Final answer:
American Scene Painting is the Realist style that recorded the contemporary struggles of Americans during the Depression or recalled heroic traditions to encourage optimism for the future.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Realist style that either recorded the contemporary struggles of Americans during the Depression or recalled heroic traditions from earlier times to encourage public optimism is referred to as American Scene Painting. American Scene Painting is a naturalist style of paintings and art that arose in the 1920s and 1930s, precisely during the time of the Great Depression. This style is known for its realistic portrayal of social and economic hardships, and is often associated with social realism and regionalism movements. Artists of American Scene Painting such as Thomas Hart Benton, Grant Wood, and John Steuart Curry provided a more optimistic view of American life by depicting the rural American heartland in a heroic manner. This movement also reflected the democratic ideals of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal and offered comfort during tough economic times. While this movement included representations of the working class and everyday life, it chose to focus on a more positive outlook for the future, despite the hardships faced.