19th century

Definition

The 19th century refers to the period from 1801 to 1900, a time marked by significant social, political, and cultural transformations across the globe. This era saw the rise of new ideas and movements, particularly in literature and art, which influenced the emergence of Naturalism—a movement that sought to depict life with scientific precision and focus on the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 19th century was marked by the Industrial Revolution, which led to urbanization and a shift in societal structures.
2. Naturalism emerged as a response to Romanticism, emphasizing a more scientific and objective portrayal of reality.
3. Key Naturalist writers like Émile Zola and Henry James focused on how environment and heredity shape human experiences.
4. Advancements in science during this period, particularly in biology and psychology, informed the Naturalist perspective on human behavior.
5. The 19th century also witnessed significant political changes, including revolutions and movements for social reform, impacting the themes explored in Naturalist literature.

Review Questions

• How did the Industrial Revolution influence the themes and characteristics of Naturalism in literature during the 19th century?
  • The Industrial Revolution brought about significant changes in society, including urbanization and shifts in class structures. These changes provided a rich backdrop for Naturalist writers who focused on depicting the struggles of individuals within this new industrial landscape. The harsh realities of life in rapidly growing cities, along with issues related to poverty and social inequality, became central themes in Naturalist literature, reflecting the influence of scientific observation on storytelling.
• Discuss how Charles Darwin's theories impacted Naturalist writers in their exploration of human behavior during the 19th century.
  • Charles Darwin's theories of evolution and natural selection challenged traditional views of humanity's place in the world. Naturalist writers drew inspiration from these ideas, emphasizing that human behavior is shaped by biological factors as well as environmental influences. This led to a deterministic view where characters were often portrayed as products of their surroundings and hereditary traits, aligning closely with Darwinian principles.
• Evaluate the significance of Naturalism as a literary movement in reflecting societal changes in the 19th century and its lasting impact on modern literature.
  • Naturalism was significant as it mirrored the dramatic societal changes occurring in the 19th century due to industrialization, scientific advancements, and shifting political landscapes. By focusing on realism and the scientific method, Naturalist writers brought attention to social issues such as class struggles, environmental impacts, and psychological motivations. This movement paved the way for modern literature by encouraging writers to adopt a more critical and objective approach to storytelling, influencing contemporary narratives that continue to explore complex characters shaped by their environments.

Related terms

Industrial Revolution:

A period of rapid industrial growth and technological advancement that began in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century, fundamentally changing economies and societies.

Realism: An artistic and literary movement that emerged in the mid-19th century, focusing on depicting everyday life and society without idealization or romanticism.

Charles Darwin: A naturalist whose work on evolution and natural selection in the 19th century had a profound impact on science and literature, influencing Naturalist writers to explore themes of determinism.