In which literary era is "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" set?

"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," written by Mark Twain, is set during the American Realism era. This literary movement, which emerged in the late 19th century, focuses on depicting life as it is, emphasizing everyday experiences and the harsh realities of life. Twain's work embodies these characteristics through its authentic representation of the American South before the Civil War, addressing complex social issues such as race, identity, and morality.

The novel utilizes real-life settings and characters, which aligns with Realism’s intent to portray ordinary people in plausible situations rather than idealized or romanticized narratives. Twain's keen observations of society, along with his use of regional dialects and colloquialisms, further contribute to the realistic portrayal of the time period.

In contrast, other literary movements such as Romanticism emphasize emotion and individualism, Transcendentalism focuses on the inherent goodness of people and nature, and Modernism explores themes of fragmentation and disillusionment often associated with the early 20th century. These differing focuses make American Realism the appropriate context for understanding "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."