Naturalism

Definition

Naturalism is a literary movement that emphasizes the depiction of life as it is, often focusing on the influence of environment, heredity, and social conditions on human behavior. It seeks to portray characters and events in a realistic way, rejecting idealization and embracing a more scientific approach to understanding life. This approach can be seen in the interplay between Confucian and Daoist ideas, as both philosophies explore the relationship between individuals and their natural and social environments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Naturalism is often seen as an extension of realism, emphasizing a more scientific perspective on characters' lives and choices.
2. In the context of literature influenced by Confucianism, naturalism can reflect the importance of social hierarchy and moral values shaped by familial ties.
3. Daoist influences in naturalism highlight the idea of harmony with nature and the spontaneity of life, contrasting with strict social structures.
4. Naturalist works often depict characters struggling against environmental and social forces, illustrating how these factors shape their destinies.
5. Key naturalist writers in Chinese literature include Zhuangzi and Laozi, who explored human existence through a lens that emphasizes nature's role in shaping life.

Review Questions

• How does naturalism differentiate itself from realism in literature, especially in the context of Confucian and Daoist ideas?
  • Naturalism goes beyond realism by incorporating a more scientific viewpoint that considers the impact of environmental and hereditary factors on characters' lives. While realism depicts everyday life accurately, naturalism emphasizes the deterministic nature of human behavior influenced by social conditions and natural forces. In this way, it aligns with Confucian focus on societal roles and relationships while also acknowledging Daoist themes of harmony with nature.
• Discuss how the principles of naturalism can be seen as reflective of the tensions between Confucian order and Daoist spontaneity in literature.
  • Naturalism embodies the tension between Confucian order and Daoist spontaneity by portraying characters whose lives are shaped by strict social norms alongside those who seek harmony with their natural surroundings. This duality allows literature to explore conflicts between individual desires and societal expectations. In a naturalistic narrative, characters might struggle against rigid Confucian values while simultaneously trying to find balance within the more fluid, spontaneous perspectives offered by Daoism.
• Evaluate the impact of naturalism on understanding character motivations in literature shaped by Confucian and Daoist ideas.
  • Naturalism profoundly impacts our understanding of character motivations by framing them within broader environmental, hereditary, and social contexts. In literature influenced by Confucian ideals, characters often reflect societal expectations rooted in family loyalty and social hierarchy. Conversely, Daoist influences might present motivations driven by a quest for harmony with nature or personal freedom. Evaluating these motivations through a naturalistic lens allows readers to see how deeply interconnected individual choices are with larger cultural narratives.

Related terms

Realism: A literary movement that focuses on representing everyday life and society in a truthful manner, often depicting ordinary characters and events.

Determinism: The philosophical concept that all events, including human actions, are determined by previously existing causes, often linked to naturalistic perspectives.

Environmental Influence: The idea that an individual's surroundings and conditions can significantly shape their thoughts, behaviors, and outcomes in life.