Naturalism

Definition

Naturalism is a literary and artistic movement that emphasizes the depiction of life with a focus on realistic representation, often rooted in a scientific approach to human behavior and the environment. It seeks to portray subjects as they are in everyday life, often highlighting the influence of heredity and environment on individual characters. This approach connects deeply with various historical contexts, influencing how art and literature reflect societal changes and the human condition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Naturalism originated in the late 19th century as an extension of realism but incorporated more scientific principles, emphasizing the influence of environment and biology on human behavior.
2. Key figures in naturalism include authors like Émile Zola and playwrights like Henrik Ibsen, who sought to depict life more scientifically and objectively.
3. Naturalism often presents characters as products of their environment, suggesting that societal conditions play a critical role in shaping human experiences.
4. In visual arts, naturalism is marked by meticulous attention to detail, particularly in landscape and portrait painting, where artists aimed for a lifelike representation.
5. The movement was significant during periods of rapid industrialization and urbanization, reflecting the struggles of individuals amidst changing societal structures.

Review Questions

• How does naturalism differentiate itself from realism in terms of its approach to depicting characters and their environments?
  • Naturalism differentiates itself from realism by emphasizing a more scientific approach to understanding human behavior. While realism portrays everyday life realistically, naturalism delves deeper into how environment and heredity shape individuals. Naturalist works often present characters as products of their surroundings, suggesting that their actions are influenced by social conditions and biological factors rather than solely personal choices.
• In what ways did the principles of naturalism reflect the societal changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution?
  • The principles of naturalism mirrored the societal changes of the Industrial Revolution by highlighting the struggles faced by individuals in rapidly changing environments. As urbanization increased, naturalist artists and writers depicted the harsh realities of life for working-class people, focusing on issues such as poverty, crime, and social injustice. This portrayal brought attention to the impact of industrialization on human lives, emphasizing that people's circumstances were often determined by their environments.
• Evaluate the impact of naturalism on both literature and visual arts during its peak period, considering how it influenced future movements.
  • Naturalism had a profound impact on literature and visual arts during its peak period, establishing a foundation for future movements like modernism. In literature, its emphasis on character psychology and social commentary paved the way for writers to explore deeper issues within society. In visual arts, naturalist techniques influenced subsequent styles by encouraging artists to focus on realism while incorporating elements of light and atmosphere. This blending created a new understanding of representation that shaped the evolution of artistic expression beyond naturalism.

Related terms

Realism:

A movement that emerged as a reaction to romanticism, focusing on everyday life and ordinary people while avoiding idealization.

Impressionism:

An art movement characterized by a focus on light and color, capturing moments and experiences rather than precise details.

Symbolism:

A late 19th-century movement in art and literature that emphasized the use of symbols to express ideas and emotions.