Naturalism

Definition

Naturalism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, focusing on the influence of environment, heredity, and social conditions on human behavior. It aims to depict life accurately and realistically, often highlighting the darker aspects of existence and the struggle against nature and society. This perspective connects deeply with themes of determinism and pessimism, emphasizing how factors beyond individual control shape one’s fate.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Naturalism is often considered an extension of realism but takes a more scientific approach to understanding human behavior and society.
2. Writers associated with naturalism, like Émile Zola and Stephen Crane, focused on the influence of the environment and social conditions on their characters' lives.
3. Naturalistic literature often portrays characters as products of their environment, suggesting that individuals have little control over their destinies.
4. The movement reflects a pessimistic view of life, showcasing struggles against uncontrollable forces such as nature or societal expectations.
5. Naturalism also explores themes of survival and the instinctual nature of humans, often depicting characters in extreme situations that reveal their true selves.

Review Questions

• How does naturalism differ from realism in its approach to depicting human experiences?
  • Naturalism differs from realism by emphasizing the impact of environmental and hereditary factors on human behavior. While realism aims to portray life accurately and focuses on ordinary characters, naturalism takes it further by examining how external forces shape individuals' destinies. This scientific perspective leads to a more deterministic view where characters are often seen as victims of circumstance rather than independent agents.
• In what ways do themes of determinism and pessimism manifest in naturalistic literature?
  • Determinism in naturalistic literature is reflected through characters whose lives are significantly influenced by their surroundings, social status, and genetic background. This leads to a sense of inevitability regarding their fates. Pessimism emerges as these narratives often highlight the struggles and suffering faced by characters against overwhelming odds, portraying life as a harsh reality where success or happiness is frequently out of reach.
• Evaluate the significance of environment and heredity in shaping character development in naturalistic works.
  • In naturalistic works, environment and heredity play crucial roles in character development by establishing the context within which characters operate. Authors illustrate how specific settings can limit choices and opportunities while genetic predispositions can dictate behavior and traits. By intertwining these elements, naturalism portrays a realistic yet often bleak picture of humanity where individual agency is diminished, highlighting the complex interplay between nature and nurture in determining one's path.

Related terms

Determinism: The philosophical idea that all events, including human actions, are determined by previously existing causes, often linked with naturalistic literature's focus on heredity and environment.

Realism: A literary movement that preceded naturalism, realism aimed to depict everyday life and society as it is, focusing on ordinary characters and events without idealization.

Pessimism: A worldview that emphasizes a negative or gloomy outlook on life, often found in naturalistic literature where characters face insurmountable challenges and harsh realities.