Naturalism

Definition

Naturalism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, emphasizing a realistic portrayal of life through the lens of environment, heredity, and social conditions. It often focuses on the darker aspects of human experience and depicts characters as products of their surroundings, arguing that behavior is determined by external forces rather than free will.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Naturalism often draws inspiration from scientific theories, particularly Darwin's theory of evolution, influencing its view on human behavior as a product of natural laws.
2. Major naturalist writers include Stephen Crane, Frank Norris, and Theodore Dreiser, who depicted characters struggling against forces beyond their control.
3. Naturalist literature frequently portrays harsh realities such as poverty, violence, and social injustice to emphasize the impact of environment and heredity on individuals.
4. Unlike realism, which may leave room for personal choice and moral judgment, naturalism typically presents a more pessimistic view of humanity's fate as governed by external circumstances.
5. Naturalism also extends beyond literature into other art forms like theater and film, where similar themes about the human condition and societal issues are explored.

Review Questions

• How does naturalism differentiate itself from realism in literature?
  • Naturalism differs from realism primarily in its focus on the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior. While realism aims for a truthful representation of everyday life, naturalism goes further by depicting characters as products of their surroundings, often showing them struggling against external forces. This results in a darker perspective on life where free will is diminished and characters face inevitable outcomes dictated by their circumstances.
• Discuss how naturalism reflects the historical context of the late 19th century in America.
  • The rise of naturalism in the late 19th century coincided with significant social changes in America, including industrialization and urbanization. These changes led to new societal challenges such as poverty, crime, and class struggles, which naturalist writers sought to highlight through their work. By portraying the harsh realities faced by individuals within this evolving landscape, naturalist literature became a powerful commentary on the consequences of these broader social forces.
• Evaluate the impact of scientific ideas on naturalism and how they shape its themes and characters.
  • Scientific ideas, particularly those stemming from Darwinian theories of evolution and determinism, significantly influenced naturalism's themes and character development. Naturalist writers used these concepts to argue that human behavior is largely determined by genetic and environmental factors rather than individual choice. This resulted in characters who often appear trapped by their circumstances, showcasing themes of survival and struggle against insurmountable odds. The integration of scientific thought into literature helped to frame human experience within a more fatalistic context.

Related terms

Realism: A literary movement that aims to represent life accurately without idealization, focusing on everyday activities and experiences.

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

Survival of the Fittest: A concept derived from Darwinian evolutionary theory, suggesting that only those best adapted to their environment will survive and reproduce.