Which literary movement emphasizes realism and societal issues, succeeding the Victorian era?

The literary movement that emphasizes realism and societal issues following the Victorian era is Naturalism. This movement emerged in the late 19th century and sought to depict life and society with a focus on the influence of environment, heredity, and social conditions. Naturalists aimed to portray the complexities of human life realistically, often delving into darker themes that highlighted social issues such as poverty, class struggles, and the human condition. Writers like Émile Zola are prominent figures in this movement, showcasing how individuals are often impacted by forces beyond their control.

The other movements mentioned do not align as closely with the described characteristics. Romanticism, for instance, precedes the Victorian era and is known for its emphasis on emotion and individual experience rather than strict realism. Modernism, while it does address themes of society and reality, often focuses on abstraction and the subjective experience of reality, emerging in the early 20th century as a response to the fragmentation of traditional forms. Postmodernism, which follows Modernism, further explores the ideas of meaning and identity in a more fragmented and skeptical manner, moving away from the direct societal concern that characterizes Naturalism.