What was happening in the country during the period known as realism

American Realism was a style in art, music and literature that depicted contemporary social realities and the lives and everyday activities of ordinary people. The movement began in literature in the mid-19th century, and became an important tendency in visual art in the early 20th century. Whether a cultural portrayal or a scenic view of downtown New York City, American realist works attempted to define what was real.

the answer is not b, and i don't think its a, so i choose either man's identity is found within the traditions of his ancestors   or language is a powerful tool, tell me if i was wrong or right by the way