key term - Survival of the Fittest

Definition

Survival of the fittest is a concept often associated with natural selection, suggesting that in nature, only those individuals best adapted to their environment will survive and reproduce. This idea emphasizes the role of competition and adaptation in evolution, reflecting a harsh reality where struggle and resilience determine which species endure over time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The phrase 'survival of the fittest' was coined by philosopher Herbert Spencer, not Charles Darwin, though it is often mistakenly attributed to him.
2. Naturalist novels frequently depict characters facing harsh realities, mirroring the struggles inherent in survival of the fittest, where only the strongest or most adaptable characters succeed.
3. In naturalist literature, environmental factors play a significant role in shaping characters’ destinies, emphasizing that social conditions can hinder or enhance one's chances of survival.
4. This concept is often used to critique societal structures, suggesting that those who thrive do so because of their inherent advantages rather than purely personal merit.
5. Naturalist writers often highlight the brutality of life under survival of the fittest, showcasing the emotional and physical toll it takes on individuals who cannot adapt.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of survival of the fittest manifest in the character development within naturalist novels?
  • In naturalist novels, survival of the fittest is reflected in how characters evolve based on their environments and circumstances. Characters are often portrayed as products of their surroundings, facing intense struggles against social and environmental forces. Those who adapt successfully to these challenges thrive, while others succumb to despair or failure, illustrating the harsh realities of this concept.
• Discuss the implications of survival of the fittest on societal structures as portrayed in naturalist literature.
  • Naturalist literature often critiques societal structures by applying survival of the fittest to social dynamics. This lens reveals how wealth, class, and other forms of privilege can impact an individual's ability to succeed. By showcasing characters from different backgrounds struggling for survival, these works highlight the inequalities ingrained in society and question whether true meritocracy exists when external factors heavily influence outcomes.
• Evaluate how survival of the fittest challenges traditional notions of morality within naturalist novels.
  • Survival of the fittest presents a stark challenge to traditional moral frameworks in naturalist novels by prioritizing competition over compassion. Characters are frequently faced with morally ambiguous choices where survival may come at the expense of others' well-being. This approach forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and societal values, leading to deeper questions about ethics and justice in a world governed by relentless competition.

Related terms

Natural Selection: The process through which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Determinism:

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

Social Darwinism:

A theory that applies the concepts of natural selection and survival of the fittest to social and economic issues, often justifying inequality and competition in society.