Naturalism

Definition

Naturalism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by a focus on depicting life with a scientific and realistic approach. It emphasizes the influence of environment, heredity, and social conditions on human behavior, portraying characters as products of their circumstances rather than possessing free will. This perspective leads to a detailed exploration of everyday life, often highlighting the struggles of individuals against societal forces.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Naturalism is often viewed as an extension or more extreme form of realism, where authors delve deeper into the darker aspects of life.
2. Key figures in naturalism include writers like Émile Zola and Stephen Crane, who explored themes of poverty, violence, and fatalism.
3. Naturalist writers frequently used detailed descriptions and scientific observation methods to create a sense of authenticity in their narratives.
4. The movement often critiques societal norms and the conditions that lead to the struggles faced by characters, exposing the harsh realities of life.
5. Naturalism reflects a shift towards viewing humans as part of the natural world, influenced by the scientific discoveries of the time, particularly in biology and psychology.

Review Questions

• How does naturalism differ from realism in its portrayal of characters and their circumstances?
  • Naturalism differs from realism primarily in its emphasis on the influence of environment and heredity on characters. While realism seeks to depict everyday life accurately, naturalism takes it a step further by suggesting that characters are shaped by external forces beyond their control. This often leads to a darker portrayal of life, where characters struggle against societal constraints and fate, emphasizing determinism and the idea that individual choices are limited.
• Analyze how social conditions are depicted in naturalist literature and their impact on character development.
  • Social conditions in naturalist literature are depicted as powerful forces that shape characters' lives and choices. Authors highlight factors such as poverty, class struggle, and societal expectations to show how these elements contribute to character development. By presenting characters as products of their environment, naturalists aim to illustrate the impact of external pressures on human behavior, often leading to tragic outcomes as individuals grapple with circumstances beyond their control.
• Evaluate the role of determinism in naturalism and its implications for understanding human behavior within this literary movement.
  • Determinism plays a central role in naturalism by positing that human behavior is largely dictated by genetic makeup, environment, and social conditions. This perspective challenges the notion of free will, suggesting that individuals are unable to escape their predetermined paths shaped by external factors. As a result, naturalist works often present a bleak view of human existence where personal agency is diminished, prompting readers to reflect on the broader implications of societal influences on individual lives.

Related terms

Realism: A literary movement that aims to represent everyday life accurately and truthfully, often focusing on middle and lower-class characters and their experiences.

Determinism: The philosophical idea that all events, including human actions, are determined by previously existing causes, which is a key concept in naturalist literature.

Social Darwinism:

A theory that applies the principles of natural selection to human society, often used in naturalistic literature to explain social behavior and class struggles.