12v Next \( \Theta \quad \) Pretest: The Late Nineteenth Century: Realism and Naturalism Select the correct answer. \[ \begin{array}{l}\text { In what way did realists try to portray life? } \\ \text { A. as objectively as possible } \\ \text { B. as subjectively as possible } \\ \text { C. as happily as possible } \\ \text { D. as depressingly as possible }\end{array} \]

Realists aimed to capture life as it truly is, focusing on ordinary people and everyday situations without embellishment or idealization. They sought to depict the complexities of life in a straightforward manner, allowing viewers and readers to confront social issues head-on, rather than escaping into a "happily ever after" narrative. A significant characteristic of Realism was its roots in the rapidly changing societal conditions brought about by industrialization. Realist artists and writers often highlighted the struggles of the working class and questioned societal norms, bringing attention to the challenges of modern life. This focus on the "real" laid the groundwork for future movements, such as Naturalism, which delved even deeper into the deterministic forces of nature and nurture affecting human behavior.