Naturalism

Definition

Naturalism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, emphasizing a detailed and unembellished depiction of life through the lens of scientific observation and determinism. It connects closely to realism, but takes a step further by suggesting that human behavior is influenced by environment, heredity, and social conditions, portraying individuals as products of their circumstances.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Naturalism often portrays characters struggling against forces beyond their control, like nature or societal expectations, leading to often pessimistic conclusions.
2. Key figures associated with naturalism include Émile Zola, who championed the movement in France through his detailed studies of working-class life.
3. Naturalist writers utilized a scientific approach to storytelling, often incorporating detailed research about their subjects to enhance authenticity.
4. The movement reflects a shift in literature towards exploring psychological depth and social issues through a deterministic lens.
5. Unlike realism, which might focus on the mundane aspects of life, naturalism tends to highlight the darker aspects of existence, such as poverty, violence, and survival.

Review Questions

• How does naturalism build upon the principles of realism in literature?
  • Naturalism builds on realism by not only depicting ordinary life but also emphasizing the underlying forces that shape human behavior. While realism focuses on accurately portraying everyday situations and characters, naturalism dives deeper into the influences of environment and heredity on individuals. This results in a more deterministic view of human experience where characters are often seen as victims of circumstance rather than agents of their own destiny.
• In what ways did naturalism reflect social changes during its emergence in the late 19th century?
  • Naturalism emerged during a time of significant social change marked by industrialization and urbanization. As societies grappled with the impact of these transformations, naturalist literature responded by depicting the struggles of the working class and the impact of poverty and societal constraints on individuals. This movement highlighted issues such as class disparity and moral dilemmas faced by characters caught in challenging environments, making it a powerful tool for social critique.
• Evaluate how naturalism's emphasis on determinism shapes character development and plot in naturalist works compared to other literary movements.
  • Naturalism's emphasis on determinism fundamentally shapes character development and plot by presenting individuals as products of their environment and inherited traits. Unlike other literary movements that might allow for character growth or moral choices, naturalist characters often find themselves trapped in cycles dictated by their circumstances. This perspective leads to plots that focus on the inevitability of fate and survival against overwhelming odds, often resulting in tragic or unresolved endings that reflect the harsh realities of life.

Related terms

Realism: A literary movement that focuses on representing everyday life and society without idealization, often depicting ordinary characters and situations.

Determinism: The philosophical idea that every event or state of affairs, including human actions, is the outcome of preceding events in accordance with the laws of nature.

Environment: The surrounding conditions and influences that affect an individual's development, behavior, and experiences, crucial in naturalist literature.