Survival

Definition

Survival refers to the state or fact of continuing to live or exist, especially in challenging or adverse conditions. In literature, particularly within the context of naturalism, survival often emphasizes the struggle against nature, societal forces, and internal conflicts that characters face as they navigate their existence. This concept highlights how individuals are shaped by their environment and circumstances, showcasing both resilience and vulnerability in their quest to persist.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In naturalist literature, characters often face extreme challenges that test their will to survive against harsh realities like poverty, illness, and societal indifference.
2. Survival is portrayed not just as a physical struggle but also as a psychological battle where characters confront their own limitations and fears.
3. Naturalist authors typically emphasize how environmental factors and genetics can dictate the chances of survival for individuals in their narratives.
4. The concept of survival in this context often leads to commentary on social issues, such as inequality and injustice, affecting people's ability to thrive.
5. Characters' fates are frequently depicted as predetermined by their circumstances, highlighting the notion that survival is not solely a matter of individual effort but influenced by external forces.

Review Questions

• How does the theme of survival manifest in the characters' experiences within naturalist literature?
  • In naturalist literature, survival is a central theme that deeply influences character experiences. Characters often find themselves in dire situations where they must confront both external challenges and internal struggles. The depiction of their fight for survival illustrates not only their physical resilience but also their emotional and psychological battles. This interplay highlights how their environment shapes their decisions and ultimately their destinies.
• Discuss how environmental factors influence the concept of survival in naturalistic works.
  • Environmental factors play a critical role in shaping the survival narrative in naturalistic works. Authors often illustrate how aspects like geography, socio-economic status, and societal expectations create barriers or opportunities for characters. The harshness of nature can be a formidable opponent, forcing characters to adapt or succumb to adversity. This influence underscores a central tenet of naturalism: that individuals are not solely masters of their fate but are significantly impacted by the world around them.
• Evaluate the philosophical implications of survival as portrayed in naturalism regarding free will and determinism.
  • The portrayal of survival in naturalism raises profound philosophical questions about free will and determinism. Naturalist narratives often suggest that characters' abilities to survive are largely dictated by external circumstances and biological predispositions rather than personal choice. This perspective challenges traditional notions of autonomy, arguing that individuals are deeply influenced by their environments and societal structures. Consequently, the struggle for survival becomes less about individual agency and more about navigating a predetermined path shaped by uncontrollable forces.

Related terms

Naturalism:

A literary movement that seeks to depict life accurately and objectively, often focusing on the influence of environment, heredity, and social conditions on human behavior.

Determinism: The philosophical concept that all events, including human actions, are determined by preceding events in accordance with the natural laws, often explored in naturalist literature.

Human Condition: The exploration of existential themes that examine the nature of human existence, including struggles for survival, morality, and the meaning of life.