Naturalism

Definition

Naturalism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, emphasizing a realistic portrayal of life, often influenced by the scientific understanding of human behavior and the environment. It focuses on the idea that characters are shaped by their surroundings, heredity, and social conditions, leading to a deterministic view of human existence. This approach often highlights the darker aspects of life, examining the struggles of individuals against the forces of nature and society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Naturalism emerged as a response to realism, adding a focus on scientific determinism and the influence of environment and heredity on characters.
2. Authors associated with naturalism often depicted characters from lower socioeconomic classes, highlighting their struggles and the impact of their harsh environments.
3. Naturalistic literature frequently explores themes of survival, violence, and moral ambiguity, reflecting the darker side of human existence.
4. Prominent naturalistic writers include Émile Zola, Stephen Crane, and Frank Norris, each using their works to examine societal issues through a naturalistic lens.
5. The movement also sought to apply the principles of the natural sciences to literature, resulting in a more objective and empirical approach to storytelling.

Review Questions

• How does naturalism differ from realism in its portrayal of characters and their environments?
  • Naturalism differs from realism primarily in its emphasis on the deterministic aspects of human existence. While realism focuses on accurately depicting everyday life and experiences, naturalism goes further by suggesting that characters are heavily influenced by their heredity and environment. This results in a narrative where individuals often struggle against external forces, showcasing how social conditions and nature shape their destinies in a way that realism does not fully address.
• Discuss how naturalistic writers use environmental influence to shape their characters' fates.
  • Naturalistic writers utilize environmental influence as a critical factor in shaping their characters' fates. By illustrating how socioeconomic status, physical surroundings, and cultural contexts impact individuals, these authors portray characters whose lives are determined by forces beyond their control. This approach often leads to narratives that highlight the harsh realities of life and the limited agency of characters trapped in oppressive circumstances.
• Evaluate the significance of naturalism in understanding human behavior within literature and its broader implications in society.
  • Naturalism is significant for understanding human behavior within literature as it brings attention to the interplay between individual choices and external influences such as environment and genetics. By portraying characters as products of their circumstances, naturalist literature invites readers to consider societal issues like poverty, addiction, and systemic injustice. The broader implications in society include fostering awareness about the conditions that shape individuals' lives and encouraging discussions about how these factors affect human behavior, thereby connecting literature with real-world challenges.

Related terms

determinism: A philosophical concept suggesting that every event, including human actions, is determined by preceding events in accordance with the natural laws.

realism: A literary movement that seeks to represent everyday life accurately without idealization or romanticism, serving as a precursor to naturalism.

environmental influence: The idea that a character's environment plays a critical role in shaping their personality, decisions, and fate, central to naturalistic literature.