A group of writers that bridged the gap between romantic literature and realism period literature?

There isn't a single group of writers who neatly bridged the gap between Romanticism and Realism. Instead, the transition was a gradual process with many individual writers contributing to the shift in literary focus.

Here are some writers and movements that played a crucial role in the transition:

Early Realists:

* George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans): Known for her realistic portrayals of social issues and psychological complexity in novels like *Middlemarch* and *Adam Bede*. She combined social commentary with a Romantic sensibility.

* Anthony Trollope: His novels, like *The Warden* and *Barchester Towers*, offered detailed depictions of English society and explored themes of social mobility and morality, anticipating the rise of Realism.

* Charles Dickens: While often categorized as a Romantic writer, Dickens' works like *Oliver Twist* and *A Tale of Two Cities* also displayed elements of realism in their portrayal of poverty, social injustice, and the harsh realities of Victorian England.

Transitional Figures:

* William Makepeace Thackeray: His works, like *Vanity Fair*, showcased a blend of Romantic sensibility and realistic depictions of human nature and social satire.

* Charlotte Brontë: While known for her Romantic themes in *Jane Eyre*, Brontë also delved into social issues and the constraints of women's lives, paving the way for later Realist writers.

* Henry James: Although his early works displayed Romantic elements, James later embraced realism in his exploration of psychological complexities and social dynamics in novels like *The Portrait of a Lady* and *Washington Square*.

Realist Movements:

* Naturalism: Writers like Émile Zola, Guy de Maupassant, and Stephen Crane, focused on portraying the lives of ordinary people, often in harsh or unpleasant settings, emphasizing social determinism and the impact of environment on human behavior.

* Regionalism: Writers like Mark Twain, Willa Cather, and Kate Chopin focused on specific geographic regions and their impact on character and culture, contributing to the rise of Realism in America.

It's important to remember that the transition from Romanticism to Realism wasn't a clean break. Many authors combined elements of both movements in their work. It was a gradual shift in literary focus, with authors pushing the boundaries of the traditional Romantic style and paving the way for the rise of Realism.