Naturalism

Definition

Naturalism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, emphasizing a realistic portrayal of life by applying the principles of scientific objectivity and determinism. It focuses on how environment, heredity, and social conditions shape human behavior, often highlighting the darker aspects of life and the struggle for survival.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Naturalism builds on the foundation laid by realism but goes further by incorporating scientific theories, particularly those related to biology and psychology.
2. The movement often portrays characters as victims of their environment and circumstances, suggesting that individuals have limited agency in shaping their destinies.
3. Key naturalist authors include Émile Zola, Stephen Crane, and Jack London, whose works often explore themes of survival and the struggle against nature.
4. Naturalism is characterized by detailed descriptions and an unflinching portrayal of life's harsh realities, including poverty, violence, and addiction.
5. The influence of advancements in science and technology during the 19th century significantly shaped naturalist literature, reinforcing ideas about heredity and environmental impact.

Review Questions

• How does naturalism differentiate itself from realism in its approach to storytelling?
  • Naturalism differentiates itself from realism by emphasizing a more scientific perspective on human behavior and societal conditions. While realism focuses on representing everyday life with accuracy, naturalism delves deeper into the deterministic forces at play, such as heredity and environment. This leads naturalist writers to portray their characters as products of these forces, often highlighting their struggles against harsh realities in a way that realism may not.
• In what ways do the principles of social and psychological determinism manifest in naturalist literature?
  • Social and psychological determinism are central to naturalist literature, as these principles suggest that human behavior is largely shaped by external factors. Authors depict characters who are influenced by their social environment, economic status, and inherited traits, leading to actions that seem inevitable rather than choices made freely. This approach highlights the limitations faced by individuals, portraying them as trapped within their circumstances, thus questioning notions of free will.
• Analyze how advancements in science and technology during the 19th century influenced the themes and techniques used in naturalist literature.
  • The advancements in science and technology during the 19th century played a crucial role in shaping naturalist literature by introducing concepts such as Darwinian evolution and psychological theories. These ideas encouraged writers to explore the impact of heredity on behavior and how environmental factors could dictate life outcomes. Naturalists adopted a more objective narrative style that mirrored scientific observation, focusing on detailed descriptions that reflect this empirical approach. As a result, themes of survival, struggle against nature, and the role of chance became prominent in their works.

Related terms

Determinism:

The philosophical belief that all events, including human actions, are determined by previously existing causes, suggesting that individuals have little to no control over their fate.

Realism:

A literary movement that aims to depict everyday life and society without embellishment or idealization, focusing on ordinary characters and situations.

Objectivity: The practice of maintaining neutrality and detachment in storytelling, allowing events to unfold without the influence of personal bias or emotional involvement.