[Vocabulary] meaning of reality and literature in the following context

[chertopert]

Throughout history, the clash between the old and the young has been a defining feature of both reality and literature. Parents have power over their children… but as those juveniles approach adolescence, they begin to put pressure on their parents’ power. They test the rules; they rebel; they create their own rules. The parents are puzzled, frustrated and resentful about the shift in the balance of power. They fight back; try to exert their leadership in an attempt to maintain their power. But as they grow towards old age, they are forced to relinquish it, while the world changes into a place they cease to recognize from their youth.

Please pay attention to the first sentence. Why would difference between the old and young be a feature of reality and literature? I don't understand the relationship here?
I checked out dictionary for the meaning of literature and reality. The closest meaning I understand here for literature is "the production of literary work especially as an occupation". Also the closest meaning I understand for reality is "television programming that features videos of actual occurrences".
So does it mean the clash has been a subject of writers books and TV programs? Could you please rephrase the first sentence in very simple words?

 

[Rover_KE]

Welcome to the forum, chertopert.

Always tell us the source and author of any text you quote, please.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Are you asking why the writer mentions both reality and literature?

The author is stressing that it happens in both. We don't know why, because we don't know the context. If you tell us where you got the quotation, we might be able to tell you more.