Naturalism

Definition

Naturalism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by its focus on depicting life as it is, emphasizing the influence of environment, heredity, and social conditions on human behavior. This approach often highlights the darker aspects of life, portraying individuals as products of their circumstances rather than as autonomous agents.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Naturalism is closely associated with authors like Émile Zola, who emphasized scientific observation in his writing, arguing that literature should reflect reality as closely as possible.
2. This movement often portrayed characters who are victims of their environment, illustrating how socioeconomic status and heredity shape their destinies.
3. In the Americas, naturalism was reflected in works that depicted the struggles of the working class, rural life, and urban poverty.
4. Naturalism also frequently employs detailed descriptions of settings and characters to enhance the realism of the narrative and evoke an emotional response from readers.
5. While primarily prominent in literature, naturalist ideas influenced other art forms and contributed to broader cultural discussions about determinism and social change.

Review Questions

• How does naturalism differ from realism in its portrayal of characters and circumstances?
  • Naturalism extends beyond realism by emphasizing the influence of environment, heredity, and social conditions on characters' lives. While realism focuses on accurate depictions of everyday life and often presents characters with free will, naturalism portrays individuals as products of their circumstances, suggesting that they have limited control over their fates due to external factors. This distinction highlights a more pessimistic view of human existence compared to realism.
• In what ways did naturalism influence the portrayal of social issues in American literature during the 19th century?
  • Naturalism played a significant role in bringing attention to social issues such as poverty, class struggle, and environmental influences on individuals. Authors used naturalistic techniques to depict the harsh realities faced by marginalized groups, emphasizing how societal structures and economic conditions shape human experiences. This focus on social critique helped lay the groundwork for future movements that sought to address injustices through literature.
• Evaluate the impact of naturalism on 20th-century literature and how its themes can be seen in contemporary works.
  • Naturalism's impact on 20th-century literature is evident in its exploration of existential themes and the depiction of complex characters influenced by their environments. Contemporary works often reflect naturalist principles through gritty realism and an emphasis on social issues. Many modern authors draw on naturalistic ideas to examine identity, struggle, and societal constraints, demonstrating the lasting legacy of this movement in literature today.

Related terms

Determinism: The philosophical idea that all events, including human actions, are determined by previously existing causes, often linked to naturalism's emphasis on environment and heredity.

Realism:

A literary movement that aims to represent everyday life accurately and truthfully, serving as a foundation for naturalism but often without the latter's emphasis on the harsher realities of existence.

Modernismo: A Latin American literary movement that sought to break from traditional forms and explore new styles and themes, sometimes intersecting with naturalist ideas in its exploration of identity and society.