Two important periods in literature and art were the periods of Romanticism and Realism. Before realism was actually introduced into literature, romanticism was the style of choice. Authors of the romantic phase generally described their characters as sincere and full of intuition. These characters were most often known for following their own hearts rather than their logic. Authors were responsible for constructing characters who "emphasized the value of intuition and imagination more than objective reason" (Keenan.) After the romanticism phase, realism came into play Realism truly became an active literary movement in the mid-19th century, during a period of revolution and innovation in Europe (Maier). Often presented as the opposite of romanticism, realism is a genre of true honesty and reality. Realistic characters are brutally honest, able to handle and resolve difficult situations and deal with their problems realistically. Unlike romanticism, realism offered readers a breath of fresh air with "a certain degree of 'truth' or factual sobriety" (Maier). A guide created by the French Realist School concluded that realistic writing should be free of "idealization, poetic language and exaggeration", with some sort of struggle of the main character present in the plot (Maier). Many periods have set the bar high for authors today, such as during the revolutionary era in Europe where realism came into play. Specifically, the creation of realism has inspired authors and artists to create a sense of honesty and reality in their works of fiction. Realism has set the standard for literature and art, all over the world, thanks to ...... middle of paper ...... Resource Center. Internet. April 25, 2014. “Interview with: Jay Asher. » Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy 54.7 (2011): 543-545. Premier Academic Research. Internet. May 8, 2014. Keenan, Richard “Romanticism.” Continuum Encyclopedia of American Literature. London: Continuum, 2005. Reference Credo. Internet. April 25, 2014. Maier, Sarah E. “Realism.” Continuum Encyclopedia of British Literature. London: Continuum, 2006. Reference Credo. Internet. April 25, 2014. Marien, Mary Warner. “A group of early Russian painters gets their due.” Christian Science Monitor. November 4, 1997: np SIRS Renaissance. Internet. May 8. 2014. “Russian Art.” The complete Hutchinson Encyclopedia with Atlas and weather guide. Abington: Helicon, 2013. Reference Credo. Internet. April 25, 2014.Wilputte, Earla “Fielding, Henry”. Continuum Encyclopedia of British Literature. London: Continuum, 2006. Reference Credo. Internet. May 9 2014.