In order to help the student expand his/her knowledge I will help answer the question. This in hope that the student will get a piece of knowledge that will help him through his homework or future tests.
It is true, realism has always been an important element in writing. This is due to the fact that realism is what helps describe things about life like romance or ideologies in literature giving the readers a sense of what is going on in the story and to help them relate to the characters and their struggle or success.
I hope it helps, Regards.