Naturalism

Definition

Naturalism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by its focus on depicting life as it is, with an emphasis on environment, heredity, and social conditions influencing human behavior. It reflects a deterministic view of humanity, suggesting that individuals are shaped by their surroundings and circumstances rather than by free will. Naturalism also often explores themes of survival, struggle, and the influence of nature on human existence, setting it apart from romanticism and realism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Naturalism was heavily influenced by scientific developments of the time, especially Darwin's theory of evolution, which provided a framework for understanding human behavior as influenced by biology and environment.
2. Prominent naturalist writers like Stephen Crane and Frank Norris used vivid imagery and detailed descriptions to illustrate the harsh realities of life faced by their characters.
3. Naturalist literature often portrays characters struggling against overwhelming forces such as poverty, violence, and societal norms, highlighting a sense of hopelessness.
4. The movement sought to apply the objective methods of science to literature, often incorporating elements of psychology and sociology to analyze characters and their motivations.
5. While naturalism faded in prominence in the early 20th century, its themes and techniques laid important groundwork for modernist literature and continued to influence writers addressing social issues.

Review Questions

• How does naturalism differ from realism in terms of thematic focus and character portrayal?
  • Naturalism differs from realism in that it emphasizes the influence of environment and heredity on characters' lives while realism focuses more on everyday life without such deterministic elements. In naturalist works, characters are often portrayed as products of their circumstances, facing struggles against forces beyond their control, whereas realism typically depicts characters in more relatable situations with free will to make choices.
• Discuss how the principles of determinism in naturalism relate to the themes present in African American literature before 1900.
  • Determinism in naturalism aligns closely with themes found in African American literature before 1900, particularly concerning the historical context of slavery and systemic racism. Authors like Charles W. Chesnutt illustrated how social conditions shaped the lives of African Americans, portraying characters trapped by their circumstances. This reflection on societal influences highlights the struggle against oppression and the lack of agency experienced by marginalized groups.
• Evaluate the impact of naturalism on 20th-century African American literature and how it paved the way for new literary movements.
  • Naturalism significantly impacted 20th-century African American literature by fostering a deeper exploration of social issues and human experience within marginalized communities. Writers influenced by naturalist ideals began to address systemic injustices, using their narratives to reflect the complexities of race relations and identity. This approach laid the groundwork for later movements such as Harlem Renaissance literature, which sought to celebrate cultural identity while continuing to challenge societal norms and injustices.

Related terms

Determinism: The philosophical belief that all events, including human actions, are ultimately determined by causes external to the will, often associated with the naturalist perspective.

Realism:

A literary movement that preceded naturalism, focusing on depicting everyday life and society without idealization or romantic embellishment.

Social Darwinism: A sociological theory that applies the concept of 'survival of the fittest' to human societies, emphasizing competition and natural selection in social contexts.