Which term refers to an unrealistic or dreamlike element blended with realistic settings in literature?

Surrealism is the term that describes the blending of unrealistic or dreamlike elements with realistic settings in literature. This literary movement seeks to explore the unconscious and the fantastical, often allowing for bizarre or illogical scenarios to coexist with the mundane aspects of everyday life. By incorporating dream-like imagery and situations, surrealism challenges readers’ perceptions of reality, inviting them to engage with the text on a deeper psychological level.

In contrast, romanticism focuses more on emotion and individual experience, often idealizing nature and the human spirit. Realism aims for a faithful representation of everyday life, portraying common experiences without embellishment or fantasy. Naturalism extends realism, emphasizing the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior but does not incorporate the dreamlike qualities of surrealism. Thus, the defining characteristics of surrealism make it the correct choice in recognizing the interplay of the surreal with realistic settings.