Naturalism

Definition

Naturalism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, emphasizing the influence of environment, heredity, and social conditions on human behavior. It builds on realism but goes further by suggesting that individuals are often shaped by forces beyond their control, reflecting a deterministic view of life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Naturalism often portrays characters as victims of their environment, with their fates predetermined by their circumstances.
2. Key writers associated with naturalism include Émile Zola, Stephen Crane, and Jack London, who explored themes like survival and social injustice.
3. Naturalist literature frequently employs detailed descriptions of settings to emphasize the harsh realities of life and human struggles.
4. This movement reflects the influence of scientific theories, particularly Darwin's ideas about evolution and survival of the fittest.
5. Naturalism extends beyond literature into other forms of art, such as painting and theater, showcasing the broader impact of these ideas on culture.

Review Questions

• How does naturalism differ from realism in literature?
  • While both naturalism and realism focus on depicting everyday life and ordinary characters, naturalism takes it further by emphasizing that human behavior is largely determined by environmental factors and heredity. Realism portrays life as it is without embellishment, while naturalism suggests that individuals are often powerless against the forces shaping their lives. This deterministic view sets naturalism apart from its predecessor.
• In what ways did the ideas of Darwin influence naturalist writers and their works?
  • Darwin's theories on evolution and natural selection deeply influenced naturalist writers by introducing concepts of survival and adaptation. Naturalists adopted a scientific approach to storytelling, emphasizing how characters respond to their environments and circumstances. This led to narratives where characters are often seen struggling against social forces and biological imperatives, reflecting a worldview shaped by Darwinian principles.
• Evaluate how naturalism has shaped labor and working-class literature in America.
  • Naturalism significantly shaped labor and working-class literature by providing a lens through which to examine the struggles faced by individuals in harsh socioeconomic conditions. Writers like John Steinbeck used naturalist elements to portray characters whose fates are dictated by their environments and societal structures. This movement highlighted issues such as poverty, exploitation, and the impact of industrialization on daily life, making it a critical part of American literary history.

Related terms

Determinism:

The philosophical concept that all events, including moral choices, are determined completely by previously existing causes.

Realism: A literary movement focused on depicting everyday life and society accurately, often highlighting the lives of ordinary people.

Surrealism: A 20th-century avant-garde movement that sought to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind, often through illogical or dream-like scenes.