Final answer:
French Symbolists reacted against the literary movements of Realism and Romanticism, seeking to convey abstract ideas through symbols instead of direct representation or emotional excess.
Step-by-step explanation:
The French Symbolists were primarily reacting against the Realism and Romanticism literary movements. Realism, which began in France in the 1850s, depicted everyday life and people in contemporary settings with an emphasis on truthful and accurate portrayal, including the more unpleasant aspects of life. In contrast, Romanticism, dominant since the late 18th century, focused on the value of nature over industry, strong emotions, and a nostalgia for the past. Symbolism emerged as a late 19th century movement with a different focus, seeking to express ideas and emotions more abstractly through symbols, rather than direct representation or emotional excess.