What role did the Civil War play in American poets' shift from Romanticism to Realism?

Question

It allowed many Americans, poets included, to travel the country much more than they had.

It caused most poets, like other Americans, to celebrate the glory of war.

It reminded poets and everyone else that life was fleeting and should be enjoyed in the moment.

It revealed to all Americans, including poets, how destructive human passions could be.

Answer 1

The most accurate statement regarding the role of the Civil War in American poets' shift from Romanticism to Realism is:

It revealed to all Americans, including poets, how destructive human passions could be.

The Civil War exposed the brutal realities of conflict, loss, and suffering, prompting poets to move away from the idealized and sentimental themes characteristic of Romanticism. Instead, they began to focus on the stark truths of human experience, emphasizing realism and a more candid portrayal of life, including its harsh realities. This shift reflected a deeper understanding of the complexities of human nature and the harsh consequences of passion and conflict.