French Realism

French realism emerged in the mid-19th century as a movement in art and literature that aimed to depict everyday life and ordinary people with honesty and accuracy. It rejected romanticism's idealized portrayals of life and instead focused on the mundane, social issues, and the experiences of common individuals. Notable realist authors include Gustave Flaubert and Émile Zola, who explored themes like class struggles and human behavior. Realism sought to provide a truthful representation of reality, encouraging readers and viewers to reflect on society and its conditions rather than escape into fantasy.