Final answer:
Realism is a literary movement that emerged as a reaction against Romanticism, focusing on everyday life and real-life situations with detailed accuracy. William Dean Howells is often credited as the 'first great realist author,' influential in establishing Realism in American literature.
Step-by-step explanation:
Realism is a literary movement that sought to portray life as it actually was, focusing on everyday, real-life situations and characters. It arose in the mid-19th century, primarily as a reaction against the emotional and highly stylized literature of the Romantic era. Realists emphasized the importance of accurate detail and the depiction of contemporary life, aiming to illuminate social realities and encourage reform. They set their fiction in recognizable places and were interested in the accuracy of detail to build a sense of "truth" in their narratives.
The First Great Realist Author
William Dean Howells is often credited as the "first great realist author." He was not only a notable writer but also a literary theorist and critic who greatly influenced the development of Realism in American literature. As the editor of the Atlantic Monthly, Howells championed realistic writing and defended it against its critics. His works, along with those of other authors like Mark Twain and Henry James, played a fundamental role in establishing Realism as a respected art form.
It's important to note that while Realism aimed for authenticity, the narratives could still be crafted and stylized, with the ultimate goal of effectively portraying the social conditions needing reform. This popularity of Realism extended into journalism and the visual arts during the period as well.