European literary movements are distinct periods or styles in literature that reflect the cultural, social, and political contexts of their time. Notable movements include Romanticism, which emphasized emotion and nature, and Realism, which focused on everyday life and social issues. Other significant movements are Modernism, characterized by a break from traditional forms, and Postmodernism, which often questions narratives and embraces paradox. Each movement has produced influential writers and works that shaped the literary landscape. For example, William Wordsworth and Emily Dickinson are key figures in Romanticism, while Leo Tolstoy and Gustave Flaubert are associated with Realism. Understanding these movements helps to appreciate the evolution of literature in Europe.