Karen Roof
July 9, 2003

Web Dropin #5: Romanticism vs. Realism

Introduction:
In order to understand better many of the significant American authors, it is important also to be aware of the literary periods in which they wrote.  Among the various periods in American literary history are Romanticism and Realism. 

Information: Romanticism, which took place between 1800 and 1860, involves the value of feeling over reasoning.  The 1855-1900 period of realism, on the other hand, deals with social change and the importance of writing as one sees.  By completing a Google search for both Romanticism and Realism you may find detailed and comprehensive information on each literary period.

Activity:
Log onto Google.com, and complete a search for both Romanticism and Realism.  Research the definition of each term, as well as the important values and aspects present during each period.  Determine the literary genres popular during Romanticism and Realism, as well as the general historical context of the times.  Finally, identify at least two American authors prominent during each period. 

After completing your research and collecting all necessary information on both Romanticism and Realism, organize your data into the form of a chart.  Identify the literary periods, as well as the years in which they occurred.  Separate your chart into columns to describe any information dealing with genre, historical context, significant values and prominent authors for each period.