Naturalism

Definition

Naturalism is an artistic and literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, emphasizing a realistic representation of life, grounded in the belief that environment, heredity, and social conditions shape human behavior. It seeks to portray life as it is, often highlighting the darker aspects of existence, using detailed observation and scientific principles to depict reality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Naturalism emerged as a reaction to romanticism and realism, pushing further into the exploration of human existence influenced by science and environment.
2. Authors like Émile Zola and Stephen Crane are key figures in naturalism, showcasing characters affected by their surroundings and societal pressures.
3. Naturalist works often feature lower-class characters who struggle against social injustices, reflecting the harsh realities of life.
4. In visual arts, naturalism is represented through detailed and accurate depictions of nature and human figures, often focusing on light and color to enhance realism.
5. Naturalism's influence extends beyond literature and art into theater, where plays aimed for authenticity in dialogue and setting, portraying life’s struggles authentically.

Review Questions

• How does naturalism build upon the principles of realism to create a deeper understanding of human behavior?
  • Naturalism builds upon realism by not only depicting everyday life but also delving deeper into the influences of environment and heredity on individuals. While realism portrays life as it appears, naturalism explores how external factors shape behavior and outcomes. This leads to narratives that often highlight the deterministic nature of existence, where characters are portrayed as products of their circumstances, giving readers a more profound insight into the human condition.
• Discuss the role of determinism in naturalistic literature and how it affects character development.
  • Determinism plays a crucial role in naturalistic literature by suggesting that characters' actions are shaped by their environment, genetics, and social conditions. This viewpoint often leads to characters who seem trapped by their circumstances, facing inevitable struggles without hope for change. This perspective affects character development by creating complex individuals whose decisions are influenced more by external forces than by personal choice or moral considerations.
• Evaluate how naturalism's portrayal of lower-class characters contributes to its critique of society and its norms.
  • Naturalism's focus on lower-class characters serves as a powerful critique of societal norms and injustices. By highlighting the struggles faced by these individuals due to their socio-economic status, naturalist works expose the harsh realities of life that are often ignored or romanticized in other literary movements. This emphasis not only brings attention to systemic inequalities but also encourages readers to reflect on their own roles within society, challenging them to confront uncomfortable truths about social responsibility and human suffering.

Related terms

Realism:

A movement that preceded naturalism, focusing on depicting everyday life and society without romanticization or idealization.

Determinism: The philosophical concept that human behavior is determined by factors outside individual control, often used in naturalist literature to explain characters' actions.

Pessimism: A worldview often reflected in naturalist works that emphasizes a bleak outlook on life and the inevitability of suffering.