Environmental Influence

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Naturalist writers often depict characters whose fates are heavily influenced by their environments, such as poverty, societal norms, or harsh natural conditions.
2. Environmental influence emphasizes the limitations individuals face due to external factors like geography, culture, and socioeconomic status.
3. In works of naturalism, characters are frequently portrayed as victims of their circumstances rather than as having free will or agency.
4. The concept connects closely with themes of survival and adaptation, showcasing how individuals respond to the challenges posed by their environment.
5. Understanding environmental influence helps in analyzing how literature reflects real-life struggles against societal and natural forces.

Review Questions

• How does environmental influence shape character development in naturalist literature?
  • In naturalist literature, environmental influence plays a crucial role in character development by illustrating how external factors shape individuals' choices and fates. Characters often confront limitations imposed by their surroundings, such as poverty or harsh weather conditions. This portrayal emphasizes the idea that people's lives are heavily dictated by circumstances beyond their control, making their struggles feel more relatable and realistic.
• Discuss the relationship between environmental influence and determinism within the context of naturalism.
  • Environmental influence is closely linked to determinism in naturalism, where both concepts suggest that individuals are not solely responsible for their actions. Instead, they are seen as products of their environments and genetic heritage. Naturalist writers depict characters whose lives are significantly shaped by social conditions and physical environments, reinforcing the deterministic view that life outcomes are preordained by these external influences rather than personal choices.
• Evaluate how the portrayal of environmental influence in naturalist works reflects broader societal issues.
  • The portrayal of environmental influence in naturalist works serves as a lens to examine broader societal issues such as class struggle, racism, and the impact of industrialization. By showcasing how characters are constrained by their environments, these narratives highlight systemic inequalities and the harsh realities faced by marginalized groups. This reflective quality not only critiques social norms but also invites readers to consider the complex interplay between individuals and their environments within the larger context of societal change.

Related terms

Naturalism: A literary movement that suggests individuals are shaped by their environment and heredity, often portraying life as determined by forces beyond individual control.

Determinism: The philosophical idea that every event or state of affairs, including human decisions, is the result of preceding events in accordance with the natural laws.

Social Environment: The immediate physical and social setting in which people live or in which something happens or develops, significantly influencing individual behavior and attitudes.