Romanticism and Realism

We have looked at several works from the Romantic and Realist periods so far this semester? Explain your understanding of Romanticism and Realism. What are their characteristics, what defines them? Why do you think these writers chose to portray their works in these modes? What do these Romantic/Realist works tell us about the 17th and 18th Century mentality? Be sure to use the literature to answer these questions.