A novel recounts the tale of a handsome and sophisticated outcast who wins the heart of the elegant daughter of a leading family. From which literary period does this novel likely come? A. Realism B. Naturalism C. Postmodernism D. Romanticism

The literary period is most likely: D. Romanticism.

Explanation:

The artistic movement known as Romanticism started at the same historical moment as the French Revolution. As a consequence, literature was greatly influenced by the Revolution and what it accomplished.

The Romantic hero is an outcast, a man rejected by society and who also rejects society himself. He focuses on the self, on his inner struggles, and his thoughts are given more importance than his actions. It is common for him to be isolated to some extent, often due to past mistakes or hardships that still influence his lifestyle and need for introspection.

It is important to note that women were idealized in Romantic literature. They often came from wealthy families - there were some exceptions, though - and their love is usually the driving force behind the Romantic hero's actions. Women in Romantic literature were often described as perfect, having their traits and qualities overemphasized.

Having that explanation in mind, we can safely say that the story of the handsome outcast who wins the heart of the daughter of a leading family most likely belongs to Romanticism.