Realism vs. Naturalism

Definition

Realism and Naturalism are two closely related literary movements that emerged in the 19th century, with Realism focusing on depicting everyday life and society as it is, while Naturalism takes a more scientific approach, emphasizing the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior. Both movements aimed to present a truthful portrayal of life, but Naturalism often delves deeper into the deterministic forces that shape characters' fates, making it more pessimistic in tone compared to Realism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Realism emerged as a reaction against Romanticism, seeking to portray life accurately without idealization or embellishment.
2. Naturalism is heavily influenced by scientific theories, particularly Darwin's theory of evolution, which suggests that human behavior is shaped by biological and environmental factors.
3. Key authors associated with Realism include Gustave Flaubert and Henry James, while Naturalism is often represented by writers like Émile Zola and Stephen Crane.
4. Realist works focus on ordinary characters and everyday situations, while Naturalist works often explore extreme conditions and social issues that highlight the darker aspects of life.
5. While both movements aim for authenticity, Naturalism's deterministic view can lead to a more tragic or grim outlook on human existence compared to the more varied tones found in Realist literature.

Review Questions

• Compare and contrast the key characteristics of Realism and Naturalism in literature.
  • Realism aims to represent life as it is, focusing on everyday characters and ordinary events without idealization. In contrast, Naturalism goes further by applying scientific principles to literature, emphasizing how environment and heredity shape individuals' lives. While both movements strive for authenticity in their narratives, Realism tends to present a broader range of human experiences, whereas Naturalism often highlights the darker, more deterministic aspects of existence.
• Discuss how the themes of Determinism in Naturalism differ from the themes present in Realist literature.
  • Naturalism's themes revolve around Determinism, suggesting that characters are shaped by their environment and inherited traits, leading to a sense of inevitability in their fates. This can result in narratives where characters struggle against forces beyond their control. In contrast, Realist literature often presents characters who possess agency within their societal contexts, allowing for more varied outcomes based on individual choices and circumstances. The difference lies in Naturalism's focus on external factors versus Realism's emphasis on personal responsibility.
• Evaluate the impact of societal changes in the 19th century on the development of Realism and Naturalism as literary movements.
  • The rise of industrialization, urbanization, and social upheaval in the 19th century significantly influenced both Realism and Naturalism. As society faced rapid changes and challenges such as class struggles and moral dilemmas, writers sought to reflect these realities through their work. Realists portrayed the complexities of everyday life, while Naturalists examined how societal conditions impacted individuals' lives. This connection between literature and real-world issues allowed both movements to resonate deeply with readers seeking to understand their changing world.

Related terms

Determinism:

A philosophical concept that suggests all events, including human actions, are determined by preceding events in accordance with the natural laws, often associated with Naturalist literature.

Social Realism:

A subset of Realism that focuses specifically on social issues and injustices, often depicting the struggles of the working class and marginalized groups.

Psychological Realism: A form of Realism that emphasizes the inner thoughts, emotions, and motivations of characters, providing a deeper understanding of their behavior and decisions.