American realism in literature American realism was an early 20th century idea in art music and literature that showed through these different types of work, reflections of the time period Whether it was a cultural portrayal, or a scenic view of downtown New York City, these images and works of literature, music and painting depicted a contemporary view of what was happening; an attempt at defining what was real. In america at the beginning of the 2oth century a new generation of painters, writers and journalists were coming of ageAmerican Realism in Literature ◼ American realism was an early 20th century idea in art, music and literature that showed through these different types of work, reflections of the time period. Whether it was a cultural portrayal, or a scenic view of downtown New York City, these images and works of literature, music and painting depicted a contemporary view of what was happening; an attempt at defining what was real. In America at the beginning of the 20th century a new generation of painters, writers and journalists were coming of age