Struggle for existence

Definition

The struggle for existence refers to the competition among individuals for limited resources, such as food, shelter, and mates, which influences survival and reproduction. This concept was popularized by Charles Darwin in his theory of natural selection, illustrating how species evolve through the challenges posed by their environment. It connects to themes of survival, adaptation, and the natural world in literature, reflecting humanity's own struggles and conflicts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The struggle for existence emphasizes that organisms must compete for resources, which can lead to evolutionary changes over generations.
2. Darwin argued that this struggle is not just a physical fight but includes various aspects such as finding food, avoiding predators, and securing mates.
3. Literature reflects this concept by portraying characters facing societal pressures or personal challenges that mirror the biological struggles described by Darwin.
4. The theme is often linked with existentialism, highlighting human conditions and moral dilemmas in a world filled with competition and survival needs.
5. Works from authors like Stephen Crane and Jack London vividly depict characters in harsh environments where the struggle for existence shapes their fate.

Review Questions

• How does the struggle for existence manifest in literature, particularly in character development and plot progression?
  • In literature, the struggle for existence is often portrayed through characters facing significant challenges that require them to adapt or evolve in response to their environment. This can lead to critical moments in the plot where characters must make tough decisions or confront adversities that test their survival instincts. Such struggles can shape their identities and relationships, revealing deeper themes of resilience, morality, and the human condition.
• Discuss the relationship between Darwin's struggle for existence and the themes of naturalism found in American literature.
  • Darwin's concept of the struggle for existence is closely tied to naturalism in American literature, which emphasizes that individuals are shaped by their environment and heredity. Naturalist writers often depict characters as products of their surroundings who face harsh realities that limit their choices. This viewpoint reflects Darwinian ideas about survival and adaptation, suggesting that life is driven by forces beyond individual control, leading to a deterministic view of human fate.
• Evaluate how the struggle for existence challenges traditional romantic notions of individualism in American literature.
  • The struggle for existence presents a stark contrast to traditional romantic ideals of individualism by emphasizing how external factors like environment and society can impede personal agency. In many literary works influenced by Darwin's theories, characters confront overwhelming odds that reveal the fragility of individual strength against societal constraints. This shift challenges readers to reconsider notions of heroism and success, portraying individuals not just as solitary figures but as beings deeply interconnected with their surroundings.

Related terms

Natural Selection: A process in evolution where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Survival of the Fittest: A phrase that describes the idea that only those individuals who are most suited to their environment will survive and reproduce.

Evolution: The gradual development of species through processes like natural selection and genetic variation over time.