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The foundations of romanticism and realism share the common theme of alienation however, its views on society and people are very different. Romanticism blossomed with the theme of rejecting elitism and celebrating isolation and human emotions. The belief that society corrupts the goodness of humans further aided romanticism to become a cornerstone in literature in the late 1700s. Realism was a reaction to romanticism that was heavily influenced by rational philosophy. The scientific method was also a heavy influencer, which helped to develop determinism, or the cause and effect logic. It is clear that although romanticism and realism do share the theme of alienation, they do have many differences as well. The Mines at Falun by E.T.A. Hoffman and Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev was act as the basis for comparing romanticism to realism and how each piece represents alienation. Elis and Basarov are typical romantic and realism heroes that perfectly fit the mold of their respectable times. Elis in The Mines at Falun voluntarily isolates himself from society while Basarov in Fathers and Sons is constantly trying to find his place in society. Hoffman introduces Elis as a troubled young man with no direction, wh