Naturalism

Definition

Naturalism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by its focus on realism and the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior. It emphasizes a scientific approach to literature, depicting life with stark accuracy and often highlighting the darker aspects of human existence, such as poverty, violence, and societal struggles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Naturalism is often seen as an extension of realism, taking its principles further by incorporating the idea that characters are shaped by their environment and genetics.
2. Authors like Stephen Crane, Theodore Dreiser, and Frank Norris used naturalistic techniques to explore themes of survival, fate, and the harsh realities of life.
3. Naturalistic works frequently include a deterministic outlook, suggesting that individuals have little control over their destinies due to societal forces and biological influences.
4. In contrast to romanticism, naturalism does not idealize life but instead presents it in a more pessimistic light, focusing on the struggles of the lower classes and the impact of poverty.
5. The naturalist movement was influenced by contemporary advancements in science, particularly Darwin's theories on evolution and natural selection, which shaped how authors viewed humanity's place in the world.

Review Questions

• How does naturalism differ from realism in its portrayal of characters and their circumstances?
  • Naturalism differs from realism primarily in its emphasis on determinism and the influence of environment and heredity on characters' lives. While realism focuses on accurately depicting everyday life and experiences without exaggeration, naturalism takes a more scientific approach, suggesting that characters are products of their surroundings and genetic backgrounds. This results in a more fatalistic view of human nature where individuals often seem powerless against larger societal forces.
• Discuss how authors like Crane and Dreiser utilize naturalistic techniques to convey social issues within their works.
  • Crane and Dreiser effectively use naturalistic techniques to illustrate social issues by placing their characters in harsh environments that reflect the struggles of society. For instance, Crane's 'Maggie: A Girl of the Streets' depicts the grim realities of urban poverty and how it shapes Maggie's life choices. Similarly, Dreiser's 'Sister Carrie' explores how societal pressures and personal desires collide, showcasing how external factors ultimately dictate the fates of his characters. These authors highlight the intersection of individual agency with broader social forces.
• Evaluate the impact of Darwin's theories on the development of naturalism as a literary movement.
  • Darwin's theories had a profound impact on the development of naturalism by introducing concepts such as evolution and survival of the fittest into literature. This scientific perspective encouraged authors to view humans as part of a biological continuum rather than as unique individuals with free will. Consequently, naturalist writers adopted a deterministic lens, portraying characters as products of their environment and heredity. This shift not only influenced storytelling but also allowed literature to engage more critically with themes surrounding nature, society, and human behavior.

Related terms

Determinism: The philosophical belief that all events, including moral choices, are determined completely by previously existing causes, influencing characters’ actions in naturalistic literature.

Realism: A literary movement that aimed to depict everyday life and society accurately, serving as the precursor to naturalism by focusing on common people and their experiences.

Heredity: The genetic transmission of characteristics from parents to offspring, often used in naturalistic literature to explain characters' behaviors and fates.