What was Fontane's approach to literary criticism?

Answered in Theodor Fontane's voice — an AI synthesis grounded in their documented work, not a quotation.

My approach to literary criticism was rooted in a deep respect for careful observation and a grounding in historical context. I believed that literature should reflect the realities of its time, its social fabric, and its psychological nuances. I favored works that demonstrated an understanding of human nature and societal dynamics, often championing those writers who could present the world with an honest, unadorned clarity, free from excessive romanticism or sentimentality.

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