Realism, as defined by James H. Rubin, is a movement in art and literature, [that] claimed to represent ordinary people and their everyday circumstances based on a 'accurate observation (Rubin 91). According to Rubin, realism “emerged in France during the mid-19th century” (Rubin 91) and came to the United States as a response to Reconstruction (Owen 9). Distinctive characteristics of realistic movement may include complexities that an average man or woman might face. The subject is a depiction of middle class life. For starters, John Steinbeck's upbringing in an agricultural time led to the depiction of his short stories and novels. “In 1962 Steinbeck received the Nobel Prize for Literature. Steinbeck contributed to realism by being a versatile writer. He has been described as a social protest writer, a realist, a naturalist, a journalist and a playwright. There are many strong themes running through his works. Most notable are the forces of the family, the effects of the environment on man, and social protests” (Reuben 2). Second, William Dean Howells was born March 1, 1837, in Martinsville, Ohio; Howells is considered “the father of American realism” (Alexander 68). Specifically, Howells contributed to realism by discussing its major themes, such as cosmopolitan life in New York, war, and the American businessman (Cady 17). The overall message that is portrayed is that Realism allows its readers to reflect on common events and attempt to improve the reality of their lives. Realism literature focuses on normality, embracing mediocrity and the possibility of overcoming adversity. The authors, John Steinbeck and William Dean Howells, successfully wrote about the realist movement...... focus of the article ......ks CitedHowell, William. "Editha." Between the darkness and the light of day. Elizabeth Cassim. January 1905. 12 March 14. http://public.wsu.edu/~campbelld/howells/editha.pdfBelasco, Susan and Linck C. Johnson. "Editha." The Bedford Anthology of American Literature. vol. 2. Boston: Bedford/St. Martins, 2008. 113-24. March 13 14.McQuade, Donald-editor. “The literature of an expanding nation”. The Harper American Literature, May 5, 1987. Book. March 15, 2014.Campbell, Donna M. "Realism in American Literature, 1860-1890." Literary movements. Department of English, Washington State University. 16 September 2002. The art. March 15, 2014.Steinbeck, John. "The chrysanthemums." Literature: an introduction to fiction, poetry and drama. Ed.1995. 239-47. March 20, 2014Cain, William. “Editha” Pearson Education Inc., American Literature Volume 11. April 25, 2004. March 21 2014.