American Literature – 1860 to Present

5.3 Determinism in naturalism

Citation:

Determinism in naturalism challenged traditional notions of free will, arguing that human actions are shaped by external forces. This philosophical concept emerged in American literature post-1860, influencing authors to portray characters as products of their environment and heredity.

Naturalist writers like Dreiser, London, and Crane used deterministic themes to explore social issues and human struggles. Their works often featured lower-class characters facing overwhelming odds, emphasizing the power of environmental and genetic factors in shaping individual destinies.

Concept of determinism

Emerged as a significant philosophical and literary concept in American Literature Since 1860, shaping the naturalist movement
Challenged prevailing notions of individual agency and free will, reflecting the era's scientific advancements and social changes

Philosophical roots

Traces back to ancient Greek philosophers like Democritus who proposed a mechanistic universe
Gained prominence during the Enlightenment with thinkers such as Spinoza and Leibniz
Posits that all events, including human decisions, result from prior causes
Contrasts with libertarian free will, which argues for genuine choice

Scientific influences

Darwinian evolution theory provided a biological basis for deterministic thinking
Newtonian physics suggested a clockwork universe governed by immutable laws
Emerging field of psychology, particularly behaviorism, supported deterministic views of human behavior
Advances in genetics reinforced ideas of hereditary influences on individual traits and actions

Rejection of free will

Argues that apparent choices are illusions, predetermined by external factors
Challenges traditional notions of moral responsibility and personal accountability
Suggests human actions result from a complex interplay of genetics, environment, and prior experiences
Influenced literary depictions of characters as products of their circumstances rather than autonomous agents

Naturalism in literature

Emerged as a literary movement in the late 19th century, closely tied to deterministic philosophy
Sought to apply scientific objectivity and determinism to the study of human nature in fiction

Origins and development

Evolved from realism, pushing for even greater objectivity and harsher depictions of reality
Influenced by French author Émile Zola's concept of the "experimental novel"
Gained traction in American literature with authors like Stephen Crane and Frank Norris
Reflected the rapid industrialization and social upheaval of the late 19th and early 20th centuries

Key naturalist authors

Theodore Dreiser explored the harsh realities of urban life and social mobility
Jack London focused on survival struggles in extreme environments (Klondike Gold Rush)
Stephen Crane depicted the brutality of war and urban poverty
Frank Norris critiqued the impact of capitalism on individuals and society
Edith Wharton examined social constraints and their effects on human behavior

Characteristics of naturalist works

Emphasize objectivity and scientific detachment in narrative style
Portray characters as products of their environment and heredity
Focus on the struggles of lower-class or marginalized individuals
Incorporate detailed descriptions of harsh or sordid aspects of life
Often feature tragic or pessimistic outcomes for characters

Determinism in naturalist fiction

Central to the naturalist worldview, shaping plot, character development, and themes
Presents characters as subject to forces beyond their control, often leading to their downfall

Environmental factors

Depict how physical surroundings shape character behavior and fate
Explore the impact of urban environments on individuals (tenements, factories)
Examine the role of natural forces in human struggles (wilderness, extreme weather)
Show how social environments influence character development and choices

Hereditary influences

Portray characters as products of their genetic inheritance
Explore concepts of inherited traits, both physical and psychological
Often depict characters struggling against "bad blood" or family legacies
Reflect contemporary ideas about eugenics and genetic determinism

Socioeconomic conditions

Emphasize the role of class and economic status in shaping individual destinies
Explore how poverty limits opportunities and influences behavior
Depict the struggles of characters to overcome their social circumstances
Critique the impact of capitalist systems on individual lives and choices

Literary techniques

Naturalist authors employed specific narrative strategies to convey deterministic themes
These techniques aimed to create a sense of scientific objectivity and inevitability

Detached narrative voice

Utilize third-person omniscient narration to maintain emotional distance
Avoid moralizing or editorializing on characters' actions
Present events and characters' thoughts without judgment or commentary
Create a sense of scientific observation in the narrative style

Graphic realism

Include detailed descriptions of harsh or unpleasant realities
Depict violence, poverty, and social ills without romanticization
Use sensory details to create vivid, often disturbing imagery
Aim for authenticity in portraying the realities of life, especially for lower classes

Focus on lower classes

Center narratives on working-class, poor, or marginalized characters
Explore the challenges and limitations faced by those at the bottom of society
Depict the harsh realities of poverty, labor, and social inequality
Contrast lower-class experiences with those of more privileged characters

Themes in deterministic narratives

Naturalist works often explore recurring themes that reflect deterministic philosophy
These themes emphasize the powerlessness of individuals against larger forces

Human vs nature

Depict characters struggling against overwhelming natural forces
Explore the indifference of nature to human suffering or desires
Often portray nature as a brutal, unforgiving force (storms, wilderness)
Highlight the insignificance of human will in the face of natural laws

Individual vs society

Examine how social structures and expectations shape individual fates
Depict characters' futile attempts to overcome societal constraints
Explore the impact of institutions (government, religion, economy) on personal lives
Often portray society as a machine that grinds down individuals

Fate vs choice

Question the existence of genuine free will or choice
Depict characters making seemingly free choices that lead to predetermined outcomes
Explore the tension between characters' desires and their inevitable fates
Often present tragic outcomes as the result of inexorable forces rather than individual decisions

Notable naturalist works

Specific novels and stories exemplify deterministic themes in American naturalism
These works had significant impact on literary trends and social discourse

Examples of determinism

Theodore Dreiser's "Sister Carrie" explores social and economic determinism in urban life
Jack London's "To Build a Fire" depicts man's futile struggle against nature
Stephen Crane's "Maggie: A Girl of the Streets" shows the impact of environment on character
Frank Norris's "McTeague" examines hereditary and environmental influences on behavior
Edith Wharton's "The House of Mirth" explores social determinism in upper-class society

Critical reception

Initially met with controversy due to graphic content and pessimistic worldview
Praised for unflinching portrayal of social realities and critique of societal issues
Criticized by some for perceived lack of moral guidance or redemptive themes
Debated for scientific accuracy and philosophical validity of deterministic views
Recognized for literary innovations in style, characterization, and narrative technique

Lasting impact

Influenced development of American realism and modernism in literature
Contributed to social reform movements by exposing societal problems
Shaped literary depictions of class, gender, and race in American fiction
Continued to influence writers throughout the 20th century (Steinbeck, Wright)
Sparked ongoing debates about free will, determinism, and human nature in literature

Critiques of determinism

Deterministic philosophy and its literary applications faced various challenges
Critics raised philosophical, literary, and scientific objections to deterministic worldviews

Philosophical objections

Argue that determinism undermines concepts of moral responsibility and ethics
Question the compatibility of determinism with human consciousness and self-awareness
Propose alternative models like compatibilism or libertarian free will
Critique determinism as reductive and failing to account for human complexity

Literary limitations

Argue that deterministic narratives can become predictable or formulaic
Suggest that focus on external forces limits exploration of internal character development
Criticize potential lack of hope or redemption in deterministic stories
Question whether strict determinism allows for genuine dramatic conflict or character growth

Modern perspectives

Incorporate insights from quantum mechanics, challenging strict determinism
Explore concepts of emergent properties and complex systems in human behavior
Propose more nuanced views of gene-environment interactions in shaping individuals
Recognize the role of randomness and chaos in natural and social systems

Legacy of determinism

Deterministic ideas continue to influence literature and thought beyond the naturalist period
The concept remains relevant in various fields, including literature, science, and philosophy

Influence on later movements

Shaped development of social realism in Depression-era literature
Contributed to existentialist explorations of human agency and meaning
Influenced psychological realism's focus on character motivations and inner lives
Impacted development of literary modernism and its experiments with narrative form

Contemporary applications

Informs discussions of genetic determinism in light of advances in genomics
Shapes debates about social determinants of health and behavior in public policy
Influences depictions of artificial intelligence and free will in science fiction
Contributes to ongoing philosophical and scientific debates about consciousness and decision-making

Relevance in modern literature

Continues to inform literary explorations of social inequality and systemic issues
Shapes narratives dealing with climate change and human impact on the environment
Influences depictions of characters struggling against societal or technological forces
Contributes to ongoing literary examinations of fate, choice, and human agency in complex worlds

Key Terms to Review (25)

Stephen Crane: Stephen Crane was an American author and poet best known for his innovative contributions to naturalism and social realism, emerging as a significant figure in the late 19th century. His works often depicted the struggles of individuals against harsh environments and societal conditions, reflecting the deterministic views of naturalism while also showcasing the effects of urbanization and modern life on human experience.

Frank Norris: Frank Norris was an influential American novelist and a key figure in the naturalism movement during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His works often illustrated the struggles of individuals against larger social forces, particularly focusing on the impacts of capitalism and the environment on human behavior. Norris's writings, especially in novels like 'McTeague' and 'The Octopus,' highlight determinism and urban realism, making significant contributions to literature that reflects the complexities of the Industrial Revolution.

McTeague: McTeague is a novel written by Frank Norris, published in 1899, which is often regarded as a prime example of naturalism in literature. The story follows the life of a dentist named McTeague and examines themes of greed, violence, and the struggle for survival in a changing society. The characters are portrayed as being influenced by their environment and hereditary traits, emphasizing how these factors lead to deterministic outcomes in their lives, particularly against the backdrop of an urban setting.

Determinism: Determinism is the philosophical concept that all events, including human actions, are determined by previously existing causes. This idea suggests that every choice and action is a result of a chain of prior occurrences, often influenced by factors like environment, biology, and social conditions. In literature, particularly in naturalism, determinism highlights the belief that individuals are shaped by forces beyond their control, emphasizing a more scientific and objective approach to human behavior.

The Red Badge of Courage: The Red Badge of Courage is a novel by Stephen Crane, published in 1895, that tells the story of a young soldier named Henry Fleming as he faces the realities of war during the American Civil War. The narrative explores themes of fear, courage, and self-discovery, emphasizing the psychological struggles that soldiers endure, which connects deeply to broader ideas about human nature and societal expectations in times of conflict.

Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution was a period of major industrialization and technological advancement that began in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century, drastically transforming economies, societies, and cultures. This revolution brought about significant changes in production methods, leading to urbanization, shifts in labor dynamics, and new social classes, which all influenced various literary movements and themes.

The House of Mirth: The House of Mirth is a novel written by Edith Wharton, published in 1905, that tells the story of Lily Bart, a beautiful young woman navigating the social elite of New York City in the early 20th century. The narrative explores themes of social class, morality, and the constraints placed upon women, reflecting the deterministic aspects of naturalism by showcasing how Lily's circumstances shape her fate.

To build a fire: 'To build a fire' refers to the essential act of creating a fire for warmth, survival, and comfort, particularly in harsh natural environments. This term highlights themes of human struggle against nature and the limitations of individual agency within a deterministic universe, emphasizing how environment and circumstance dictate one's fate and decisions. It serves as a pivotal element in illustrating the broader philosophical ideas associated with naturalism, where characters often find themselves at the mercy of their surroundings and internal instincts rather than exercising free will.

Edith Wharton: Edith Wharton was an American novelist, short story writer, and designer, best known for her exploration of the lives and morals of the American upper class during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her works often highlight the themes of social class, gender roles, and the constraints of society, making her a significant figure in the context of naturalism, particularly through her deterministic portrayals of characters shaped by their social environment.

Anti-hero: An anti-hero is a central character in a story who lacks conventional heroic qualities, often displaying traits like moral ambiguity, flawed judgment, or self-interest. Unlike traditional heroes, anti-heroes often navigate complex situations and their actions can lead to both positive and negative outcomes, reflecting a more realistic portrayal of human nature.

Darwinism: Darwinism refers to the theory of biological evolution developed by Charles Darwin, primarily focusing on natural selection as the mechanism by which species adapt and evolve over time. It connects closely with ideas of determinism, suggesting that human behavior and social structures are influenced by evolutionary forces, and this perspective significantly shaped naturalism in literature, emphasizing a realistic representation of life driven by environmental and hereditary factors.

Scientific worldview: A scientific worldview is an understanding of the universe based on empirical evidence, observation, and the scientific method, emphasizing rationality and logic. This perspective often challenges traditional beliefs and ideologies, promoting a view of reality that is grounded in observable phenomena and systematic inquiry.

Characterization: Characterization is the process by which authors create and develop characters in a story, revealing their traits, motivations, and complexities. This can be done through direct methods, where the author explicitly describes the character, or indirect methods, where the character's personality is revealed through their actions, dialogue, thoughts, and interactions with others. Understanding characterization is crucial in analyzing literature as it helps to illustrate how characters are shaped by their environment and societal factors.

Universal Man: Universal Man refers to an idealized concept of humanity that embodies the shared characteristics, values, and experiences of all people, transcending individual differences such as race, gender, and culture. This notion is often explored in naturalism, where characters are depicted as products of their environment and circumstances, highlighting the deterministic forces that shape human behavior and identity.

Naturalistic Critique: A naturalistic critique examines literature through the lens of naturalism, emphasizing how environment, heredity, and social conditions shape human behavior and experiences. This approach often highlights the deterministic view that individuals are largely influenced by forces beyond their control, reflecting a broader philosophical outlook that challenges traditional notions of free will and moral responsibility.

Heredity: Heredity is the biological process through which genetic traits and characteristics are passed from one generation to the next. It plays a crucial role in shaping an individual's behavior, personality, and potential, linking closely to the concept of determinism, where inherited traits influence the choices and outcomes in a person's life.

Environmental Influence: Environmental influence refers to the ways in which an individual's surroundings, including their physical, social, and cultural contexts, affect their behaviors, thoughts, and life choices. This concept is particularly significant in naturalism, where authors emphasize how external factors shape characters' destinies and experiences, often highlighting the constraints imposed by nature and society.

Fatalism: Fatalism is the philosophical belief that all events are predetermined and inevitable, often implying that human actions cannot change the course of events. This idea suggests that individuals have limited control over their destinies, which resonates with themes of determinism where every action is a result of prior causes. Fatalism can create a sense of resignation to fate, as it emphasizes the futility of trying to alter what is meant to happen.

Symbolism: Symbolism is a literary device where symbols are used to represent ideas, concepts, or emotions beyond their literal meaning. This technique allows writers to convey deeper meanings and evoke certain feelings, creating layers of significance within a text. It often serves as a bridge between the concrete and the abstract, enriching the reader's experience and understanding.

Maggie: A Girl of the Streets: Maggie: A Girl of the Streets is a novel by Stephen Crane published in 1893 that highlights the harsh realities of urban life and the struggles faced by individuals in impoverished environments. It serves as a significant example of social realism, depicting the impact of environment and circumstance on human behavior, while also embracing themes of determinism and the influence of Darwinian ideas on literature. Through the story of Maggie, the novel sheds light on the challenges posed by urbanization and the moral implications of survival in a rapidly changing society.

Realism: Realism is a literary movement that emerged in the mid-19th century, focusing on representing everyday life and ordinary people with an emphasis on accuracy and detail. This movement sought to depict life as it truly is, often highlighting social issues and the complexities of human behavior.

Jack London: Jack London was an American author and social activist best known for his novels and stories that reflect the harsh realities of life, often drawing from his own experiences in the wilderness and as a laborer. His works are significant examples of naturalism, exploring themes of survival, the struggle against nature, and the impact of environment on human behavior, all while embodying the principles of determinism influenced by Darwinian thought.

Sister Carrie: Sister Carrie is a novel written by Theodore Dreiser, published in 1900, which follows the life of Carrie Meeber, a young woman who moves to Chicago in search of a better life. The story illustrates the struggles of urban life and highlights themes of ambition, desire, and the impact of society on individual choices, making it a pivotal work in naturalism and social realism.

Theodore Dreiser: Theodore Dreiser was an American novelist and journalist, known for his role in developing naturalism in literature during the early 20th century. His works often explore the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior, reflecting themes of social realism and determinism. Dreiser’s depiction of urban life and the struggles of individuals against societal forces make him a key figure in understanding the impact of industrialization and urbanization on American literature.

Pessimism: Pessimism is a worldview characterized by a belief that negative outcomes are more likely than positive ones. This outlook often influences literature and philosophy, particularly in movements that emphasize human suffering, limitations, and the darker aspects of existence. Pessimism plays a crucial role in naturalism and determinism, as it often reflects the struggle of individuals against societal and environmental forces that seem insurmountable.

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🏜️american literature – 1860 to present review