* Unrealistic expectations: Romantic literature often presented love as an all-consuming force that overcame all obstacles. Realists believed this created unrealistic expectations for readers and ignored the complexities and challenges of real-life relationships.
* Emphasis on emotion over reason: Romantic writers focused heavily on emotional experiences, often ignoring the practical considerations and social realities that shaped relationships. Realists aimed to present a more grounded and nuanced view of love, acknowledging its connection to social class, economic circumstances, and other factors.
* Focus on the extraordinary: Romantic literature often featured dramatic and improbable scenarios, focusing on extraordinary love affairs and idealized characters. Realists believed in portraying the ordinary and the everyday, emphasizing the complexities and struggles of ordinary people's relationships.
* Avoidance of social issues: Romantic writing often avoided addressing social issues or inequalities that impacted relationships. Realists aimed to expose the realities of life for people of different social classes and backgrounds, showing how these factors influenced their romantic choices and experiences.
Instead of focusing on idealized love, Realist writers aimed to:
* Present realistic and relatable characters: They depicted characters with flaws and complexities, making them more believable and relatable to readers.
* Focus on social and economic contexts: They emphasized the role of social class, economic realities, and other social factors in shaping relationships.
* Explore the nuances of love: They presented a more nuanced and complex view of love, acknowledging its complexities, contradictions, and potential for both joy and sorrow.
In short, Realist writers sought to portray love and relationships with a greater sense of realism and authenticity, challenging the unrealistic expectations and sentimentalized portrayals of romantic writing.