Why did realist artists depict such poverty in their work?

The correct answer to this question is that:

"The realist artists wanted the viewer to see that real life was like for so many, rather than just the life of the wealthy."

What we usually see depicted in art are the treasures and luxurious life of the rich. To see the other side of the coin, realists want us to realize that life is not just about joy and pleasure, some of our brothers and sisters are suffering in poverty.