Naturalism

Definition

Naturalism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by its focus on depicting life as it is, often emphasizing the influence of environment, heredity, and social conditions on human behavior. This movement sought to portray characters as products of their surroundings, often highlighting the darker aspects of life and human nature. Naturalist writers aimed to apply scientific principles and observation to literature, presenting a more deterministic view of existence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Naturalism was heavily influenced by the scientific advancements of the time, including Darwin's theory of evolution and developments in psychology.
2. Naturalist writers often portrayed their characters as victims of fate or circumstance, with little control over their destinies.
3. The movement is known for its stark and often unflattering representations of life, highlighting issues like poverty, addiction, and social inequality.
4. Key authors associated with naturalism include Stephen Crane, Frank Norris, and Theodore Dreiser, who all explored the harsh realities of American life.
5. Naturalism differs from realism in that it emphasizes a more pessimistic view of life, focusing on the influence of nature and environment rather than just everyday experiences.

Review Questions

• How does naturalism differ from realism in literature?
  • Naturalism differs from realism primarily in its philosophical underpinnings and outlook on life. While realism focuses on accurately depicting everyday experiences without idealization, naturalism takes this further by emphasizing the deterministic forces of nature and environment that shape human behavior. Naturalist writers often portray characters as products of their social conditions and heredity, showcasing a more pessimistic view of existence compared to the more neutral stance found in realism.
• What role did scientific advancements play in the development of naturalism as a literary movement?
  • Scientific advancements played a crucial role in shaping naturalism as a literary movement. The rise of Darwin's theory of evolution introduced ideas about heredity and survival that influenced naturalist writers to portray characters as products of their environment. Additionally, developments in psychology encouraged these authors to explore the complexities of human behavior, reinforcing the notion that individual actions are dictated by external factors rather than free will. This scientific approach marked a significant departure from earlier literary movements.
• Evaluate the impact of naturalism on modern literature and how its themes continue to resonate today.
  • Naturalism has had a lasting impact on modern literature by paving the way for contemporary authors to explore themes related to social issues, environmental influences, and human psychology. The focus on realism combined with a deterministic view has inspired many modern writers to address societal challenges such as poverty, addiction, and mental health. The legacy of naturalism can be seen in various genres today, including literary fiction and social realism, where the exploration of characters’ struggles against their circumstances remains relevant and powerful.

Related terms

determinism: The philosophical belief that all events, including human actions, are determined by preceding events in accordance with the natural laws.

realism:

A literary movement preceding naturalism that focused on representing everyday life and society accurately, without idealization.

Zola: Émile Zola was a prominent naturalist writer who emphasized the importance of environment and heredity in shaping characters, particularly in his series of novels known as Les Rougon-Macquart.