Naturalism

Definition

Naturalism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, focusing on a detailed, realistic portrayal of life, emphasizing the influence of environment, heredity, and social conditions on human behavior. It builds upon the principles of realism, but often presents a more deterministic view of life, suggesting that individuals are shaped by forces beyond their control.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Naturalism developed as an extension of realism, highlighting a more scientific approach to literature and often incorporating elements of psychology and sociology.
2. Naturalist writers believed that characters are driven by their environment and biological factors, resulting in a pessimistic view of human nature.
3. The movement found strong representation in French literature, with authors like Émile Zola leading the charge by analyzing societal problems through a naturalist lens.
4. In American literature, naturalism gained prominence through writers such as Stephen Crane and Frank Norris, who depicted the struggles of individuals against harsh societal forces.
5. Naturalism also often serves as a critique of social norms and class structures, revealing how these forces can dictate the fates of individuals.

Review Questions

• How does naturalism build upon the principles of realism, and what distinguishes it from realism?
  • Naturalism builds upon realism by maintaining its focus on detailed portrayals of everyday life but goes further by emphasizing the role of environment, heredity, and social conditions in shaping human behavior. While realism represents life as it is, naturalism adopts a more deterministic perspective, suggesting that individuals are largely influenced by forces beyond their control. This distinction leads to more fatalistic narratives that often highlight the struggles faced by characters within a specific societal framework.
• Discuss how naturalism is reflected in the works of key authors such as Émile Zola and Stephen Crane.
  • In the works of Émile Zola, naturalism is vividly reflected through his detailed depictions of working-class life and societal issues. Zola often utilized a scientific approach to literature, analyzing how environment and heredity impacted characters' lives. Similarly, Stephen Crane's naturalist stories reveal the harsh realities faced by individuals in urban settings, showcasing themes of survival against overwhelming odds. Both authors demonstrate how naturalism serves as a vehicle for social critique and an exploration of human behavior under challenging circumstances.
• Evaluate the impact of naturalism on modern literature and how it paved the way for later literary movements such as Modernism.
  • Naturalism had a significant impact on modern literature by shifting the focus towards more complex character studies and a deeper understanding of social influences on human behavior. Its emphasis on determinism and environmental factors set the stage for later movements like Modernism, which further explored fragmentation and individual experience in a rapidly changing world. The groundwork laid by naturalist writers regarding psychological depth and societal critique contributed to Modernist themes, making naturalism a crucial predecessor in literary evolution.

Related terms

Determinism:

The philosophical belief that all events, including human actions, are determined by external factors and natural laws, leaving little room for free will.

Realism:

A literary approach that seeks to represent everyday life and society as it is, avoiding romanticism and idealism to focus on ordinary characters and realistic situations.

Zola: Émile Zola was a key figure in the naturalist movement, known for his detailed and scientific approach to literature, often exploring themes of class struggle and social injustice.