Most of the people at that early hour were still in bed and asleep. A few, who intended to go over to the Chênière for mass, were moving about. The lovers, who had laid their plans the night before, were already strolling toward the wharf. The lady in black, with her Sunday prayer-book, velvet and gold-clasped, and her Sunday silver beads, was following them at no great distance. Old Monsieur Farival was up, and was more than half inclined to do anything that suggested itself. He put on his big straw hat, and taking his umbrella from the stand in the hall, followed the lady in black, never overtaking her. —The Awakening,
Kate Chopin

Explain why this passage is considered realist.

Answer and Explanation:

Literary Realism, as the name suggests, focuses on describing the world as it is, without filters, in all of its mundane glory. One of its main characteristics is that everyday occurrences, especially of middle and lower classes, are described in great detail.

That is why this passage of Kate Chopin's "The Awakening" is considered realist. The author placed great importance in describing this lazy Sunday morning. It's as if readers can watch the scene being unveiled right before their eyes: some people asleep, some walking to church, the Sunday clothes they're wearing, the prayer-book in hand, the hat being put on, etc. Another author from a different literary movement would most likely not have put so much effort into enumerating so many details of such a trivial event. This is truly a trait of Realism.

so are we writing a song for you or are we making characters for you.