Here's a breakdown:
Romanticism (Early 19th Century):
* Characteristics: Emphasis on emotion, imagination, individualism, nature, and the supernatural. Often featured idealized heroes, strong female characters, and themes of love, freedom, and rebellion.
* Key Authors: Nathaniel Hawthorne, Edgar Allan Poe, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Washington Irving, James Fenimore Cooper, Emily Dickinson (though she was more of a transitional figure)
Realism (Mid-to-Late 19th Century):
* Characteristics: Focus on everyday life, social issues, and psychological realism. Characters were often ordinary people facing everyday struggles, and the style aimed to portray life as it truly was, with both its beauty and ugliness.
* Key Authors: Mark Twain, Henry James, William Dean Howells, Stephen Crane, Edith Wharton
It's important to note that these two styles weren't entirely separate. Realism emerged as a reaction to the perceived excesses of Romanticism, but it still incorporated some of its elements. Additionally, other literary styles like Transcendentalism (Emerson, Thoreau) and Gothic (Poe) also contributed to the rich tapestry of American literature in the 19th century.
Ultimately, the popularity of any literary style is subjective and depends on the audience and historical context. However, Romanticism and Realism undoubtedly left a lasting mark on American literature and continue to influence writers today.