Naturalism

Definition

Naturalism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, emphasizing the influence of environment, heredity, and social conditions on human behavior. It suggests that human beings are shaped by their surroundings and biological instincts, often portraying life with a sense of realism that reflects the harshness of existence. Naturalism connects closely to philosophies like determinism, suggesting that individuals have limited control over their destinies due to factors beyond their influence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Naturalism often incorporates scientific ideas and theories from fields such as biology and sociology to explain human behavior.
2. This movement portrays characters as products of their environment and heredity, frequently depicting them struggling against their circumstances.
3. Common themes in naturalist literature include survival, violence, and the impact of nature on human lives, often reflecting a pessimistic view of existence.
4. Naturalist authors often used detailed descriptions to create vivid settings that illustrate the harsh realities faced by their characters.
5. Notable naturalist writers include Émile Zola, Stephen Crane, and Frank Norris, who sought to represent life authentically and explore complex social issues.

Review Questions

• How does naturalism differentiate itself from realism in literature?
  • Naturalism differs from realism in its deeper focus on environmental and hereditary influences on characters. While realism presents life as it is, naturalism goes further by suggesting that human actions are determined by factors beyond individual control. This means naturalist writers often highlight the struggles of characters against overwhelming societal or environmental forces, emphasizing a more deterministic view of existence compared to realism's more observational stance.
• In what ways does determinism play a role in naturalist literature?
  • Determinism is central to naturalist literature as it underscores the belief that individuals are shaped by their environments and biological instincts. Authors illustrate how external circumstances—like poverty or societal expectations—control character choices and limit their freedom. This perspective reinforces the idea that human life is not simply a result of personal choice but rather a product of larger forces, leading to narratives where characters often feel trapped by their fates.
• Evaluate how naturalism reflects the societal issues of its time and its relevance to contemporary literature.
  • Naturalism reflects societal issues of its time by addressing themes such as poverty, social inequality, and the impact of industrialization on human lives. By portraying characters who struggle against their environments, naturalist writers brought attention to the harsh realities faced by marginalized groups. This movement remains relevant in contemporary literature as modern authors continue to explore the intersections of environment, identity, and societal challenges, using similar deterministic themes to highlight ongoing issues such as systemic injustice and personal agency within constrained circumstances.

Related terms

Realism:

A literary movement that focuses on depicting everyday life and society as it is, often emphasizing ordinary characters and realistic settings.

Determinism: The philosophical concept that all events, including human actions, are determined by preceding events in accordance with the natural laws.

Pessimism: A worldview or attitude characterized by a tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen.