Naturalism

Definition

Naturalism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, focusing on the depiction of life as it is, with an emphasis on realistic settings, characters, and events. This movement sought to understand human behavior through the lens of environment and heredity, suggesting that individuals are shaped by their circumstances and biology rather than by free will or moral choice.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Naturalism gained traction in Japan during the Meiji period as writers responded to the rapid social changes brought by modernization and Western influence.
2. Prominent naturalist authors often focused on themes of poverty, social injustice, and the struggles of the individual against societal forces.
3. Akutagawa Ryunosuke's works embody elements of naturalism, showcasing the darker aspects of human nature influenced by environment and circumstances.
4. The I-novel emerged as a significant form in Japanese literature during this period, reflecting naturalistic themes through personal confessions and introspective narratives.
5. Naturalism in Japanese literature often faced criticism for its perceived pessimism and determinism, which clashed with more optimistic literary movements.

Review Questions

• How does naturalism differ from realism in terms of themes and focus within literature?
  • Naturalism extends beyond realism by emphasizing the role of environment and heredity in shaping human behavior. While realism focuses primarily on portraying everyday life accurately, naturalism dives deeper into how societal conditions and biological factors determine characters' actions. This means naturalist writers are more likely to explore darker themes of struggle, survival, and determinism, illustrating how characters are often powerless against their circumstances.
• Discuss how Akutagawa Ryunosuke's works reflect the principles of naturalism in Japanese literature.
  • Akutagawa Ryunosuke's works often exemplify naturalistic principles through his exploration of human psychology and moral dilemmas. His stories frequently depict characters who are trapped by their social environments or influenced by their inherent nature, showcasing the struggles they face in a rapidly changing society. Works like 'Rashomon' highlight the complexity of truth and perception while illustrating how external circumstances shape individual experience—key themes within naturalism.
• Evaluate the impact of Western literature on the development of naturalism in Japan during the Meiji period.
  • The influx of Western literature during the Meiji period profoundly influenced Japanese writers, leading to the adoption and adaptation of naturalist themes. As authors encountered European works that emphasized realism and deterministic views of human nature, they began to explore similar concepts within their own cultural context. This resulted in a unique blend of Western literary techniques with traditional Japanese storytelling, allowing for a nuanced reflection on modernity's impact on society. The adaptation of naturalistic elements helped shape a new literary identity that resonated with contemporary issues such as class struggle and existential angst.

Related terms

Realism: A literary style that aims to represent everyday life and society accurately without idealization, closely related to naturalism but often more focused on character development than the influence of environment.

Determinism: The philosophical concept that all events, including human actions, are determined by previously existing causes, closely linked to naturalism's perspective on human behavior.

I-novel (shishōsetsu): A Japanese literary form emphasizing personal narrative and introspection, often reflecting the naturalistic traits of self-exploration and environmental influence.