Realism was different from previous periods in art, literature, and philosophy in several key ways:
1. Realism focused on depicting everyday life and ordinary people, unlike earlier periods that often idealized or romanticized subjects.
2. Realism aimed to present situations and characters truthfully, without embellishment or idealization, reflecting the realities of the time.
3. Realism rejected the fantastical elements and exaggerated emotions seen in Romanticism, emphasizing accurate portrayals of society and human experiences.
4. Realist artists and writers sought to address social issues, such as poverty, labor conditions, and urbanization, bringing attention to the struggles of the common people.
5. Realism also introduced a new perspective on the role of art and literature, emphasizing the importance of representing the world as it is rather than as it could be, sparking debates about the purpose and impact of artistic expression.