Final answer:
Henry James referred to Nathaniel Hawthorne as 'the most valuable example of American Literary Realism,' valuing Hawthorne's engagement with human conditions and societal complexities in his works. James's own contributions to realism, particularly in psychology and narrative technique, align with Hawthorne's thematic concerns, shaping American literature.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1879, the author Henry James called Nathaniel Hawthorne, 'the most valuable example of American Literary Realism.' James himself was a prominent figure in this literary movement along with William Dean Howells and Mark Twain. Henry James is renowned for his deep dive into the psychological aspects of characters and for experimenting with narrative techniques, such as the use of unreliable narrators and interior monologues.
James's work, such as "The Art of Fiction" and novels like The Portrait of a Lady and The Turn of the Screw, demonstrated his commitment to presenting reality as it is, often exploring the tensions between old-world Europe and the new American culture. This stark realism and the focus on the psychological depth of characters may be why James valued Hawthorne, who similarly engaged with themes reflective of the human condition and the complexities of society in his works like The Scarlet Letter and The Birthmark.
Moreover, the Realism movement, which both James and Hawthorne were a part of, strongly influenced the American literary landscape, shaping it away from the Romantic era's perceived excesses and towards a more true-to-life representation that resonated with readers of their time and beyond.