Naturalism

Definition

Naturalism is a theatrical movement that emerged in the late 19th century, emphasizing a realistic portrayal of life and human behavior, often influenced by scientific and philosophical ideas. It aims to present life as it is, focusing on the influence of environment, heredity, and social conditions on human behavior, thus creating a more authentic and relatable experience for the audience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Naturalism is often associated with playwrights like Émile Zola, who argued that literature should reflect the scientific laws governing nature.
2. In naturalistic plays, characters are often products of their environment and background, illustrating the impact of society on individual lives.
3. Naturalism differs from realism in its emphasis on a more scientific approach to storytelling, focusing on the deterministic aspects of life.
4. The Moscow Art Theatre played a significant role in promoting naturalistic techniques through productions of Chekhov's works, which highlighted human psychology.
5. In the context of American theatre, naturalism influenced playwrights such as Eugene O'Neill and Tennessee Williams, who incorporated realistic elements into their narratives.

Review Questions

• How did naturalism influence the development of character portrayal in modern theatre?
  • Naturalism significantly transformed character portrayal by emphasizing that characters are shaped by their environment and social conditions. This approach allowed playwrights to create complex individuals whose actions and motivations were deeply rooted in their surroundings. As a result, audiences gained a better understanding of how societal issues and personal backgrounds can influence behavior, leading to richer storytelling in modern theatre.
• Discuss how naturalism reflects the philosophical ideas of determinism and its implications for character development.
  • Naturalism incorporates the philosophical concept of determinism by suggesting that characters are largely driven by forces beyond their control, such as heredity and environment. This perspective impacts character development by portraying individuals as products of their circumstances rather than independent agents. Consequently, naturalistic plays often highlight the struggles faced by characters as they navigate their predetermined paths, making their experiences resonate with audiences who see reflections of real-life challenges.
• Evaluate the impact of naturalism on the transition from traditional forms of theatre to more contemporary approaches in storytelling.
  • The impact of naturalism on theatre marked a significant shift from traditional forms that often idealized characters and situations to a more contemporary approach that embraces complexity and authenticity. By challenging conventions through a focus on realism and deterministic themes, naturalism paved the way for later movements such as existentialism and absurdism. This evolution led to deeper explorations of human experience in modern storytelling, encouraging playwrights to tackle social issues and psychological truths in ways that resonate with audiences today.

Related terms

Realism: A movement in theatre and literature that sought to depict everyday activities and experiences without embellishment or idealization.

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

Fourth Wall: The imaginary barrier between the actors and the audience in a performance, which naturalism often seeks to break down by creating an immersive environment.