9.3 Naturalism in American Literature
3 min read•july 25, 2024
in literature brings a raw, unflinching look at life. It ditches romanticized views, instead showing how environment and genetics shape people's fates. Characters often struggle against overwhelming forces, with little hope of winning.
This literary movement uses and to tell stories. It focuses on lower classes and marginalized groups, exploring social issues through pessimistic lenses. Naturalism's influence can be seen in later American literature, from the Lost Generation to modern neo-naturalism.
Principles and Themes of Naturalism
Key principles of Naturalism
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- Scientific objectivity in storytelling employs detached observational narrative style emphasizes accurate detailed descriptions (Crane's "The Open Boat")
- Determinism posits external forces shape human behavior characters' fates predetermined by circumstances (Dreiser's "")
- Pessimism and fatalism pervade bleak worldview characters often doomed to failure or tragedy (Norris's "")
- Focus on lower classes and marginalized groups explores poverty and social issues characters struggle against societal forces (Crane's "")
- of the fittest draws on Darwinian influences character interactions depict struggle for existence in harsh environments (London's "")
Influence of environment in Naturalism
- Heredity impacts character behavior through genetic predispositions inherited traits determine characters' fates (Zola's "")
- Environment shapes characters natural settings act as powerful forces urban landscapes influence character development (Dreiser's "")
- Social conditions highlight class struggles economic pressures impact of industrialization on individuals (Sinclair's "")
- Character development limits free will or agency for protagonists portrays characters as products of their circumstances (Norris's "")
Literary Techniques and Comparisons
Determinism and pessimism in literature
- Determinism in plot development creates inevitable outcomes based on characters' circumstances chain of cause and effect leads to predetermined conclusions (Crane's "")
- Pessimistic themes critique social injustices explore human suffering and moral decay (Garland's "")
- Narrative techniques use irony to highlight characters' powerlessness employ foreshadowing to reinforce inevitability of events (London's "")
- Character arcs follow downward trajectories for protagonists depict futile struggles against overwhelming forces (Dreiser's "")
Naturalism vs Realism
- and Naturalism share focus on everyday life and ordinary people Naturalism presents more extreme pessimistic outlook (Howells vs Norris)
- Naturalism rejects Romanticism's idealization and heroic characters emphasizes harsh realities over emotional experiences (Hawthorne vs Crane)
- Naturalism influences early Modernist works both share interest in psychological depth of characters (Dreiser's influence on Fitzgerald)
- Narrative styles differ Naturalism adopts more clinical detached approach other movements use symbolic and allegorical elements (Crane vs Melville)
Impact of Naturalism on American literature
- Lost Generation writers incorporate naturalistic themes in post-World War I literature (Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises")
- Social protest literature employs naturalistic techniques to address societal issues (Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath")
- Neo-naturalism evolves in modern American novels ()
- Genre fiction integrates naturalistic elements in crime and noir literature ()
- American literary identity shaped by gritty realistic portrayals of American life ()
Key Terms to Review (33)
An American Tragedy: An American Tragedy refers to a literary genre that explores the downfall of a character due to a combination of personal failings and societal pressures, often highlighting the American Dream's darker aspects. This concept illustrates how individual ambitions can lead to moral dilemmas and tragic consequences, reflecting the complexities of life in America during the early 20th century, especially within the framework of naturalism.
Characterization: Characterization is the process by which authors create and develop characters in a narrative. This involves revealing a character’s personality, traits, and motivations through their actions, dialogue, thoughts, and interactions with others. Understanding characterization helps readers connect with characters and grasp the themes and messages within a story.
Cormac McCarthy's Works: Cormac McCarthy's works encompass a range of novels, plays, and screenplays that delve into themes of violence, existentialism, and the human condition. Known for his stark prose style and philosophical depth, McCarthy often explores the darker aspects of life and humanity, making his contributions significant within the realm of American literature, particularly in the context of naturalism.
Determinism: Determinism is the philosophical concept that every event, including human actions and choices, is determined by preceding events in accordance with the natural laws. This idea suggests that individuals have limited free will, as their behaviors and decisions are shaped by environmental, biological, and social factors. In literature, particularly within realism and naturalism, determinism emphasizes the role of these influences in shaping characters' fates and experiences.
Environmental Influence: Environmental influence refers to the impact that surroundings, including nature, society, and culture, have on individuals and their development. In literature, especially within the context of naturalism, this concept underscores how characters are shaped by their environments, which can include geographical features, socio-economic conditions, and cultural norms.
Frank Norris: Frank Norris was an influential American author and journalist known for his role in the development of naturalism in literature during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His works often depict the harsh realities of life and the struggles of individuals against larger societal forces, highlighting themes of determinism and the influence of environment on human behavior.
Germinal: The term 'germinal' refers to the early stages of development or formation, often associated with ideas and themes of potentiality and growth. In literature, it can signify the nascent ideas or emerging movements that shape narratives, particularly within Naturalism, where characters and events evolve from their environmental conditions and inherited traits.
Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises: Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises is a novel published in 1926 that captures the experiences of a group of American and British expatriates in Europe during the 1920s. This work is significant for its portrayal of the Lost Generation, a term used to describe a disillusioned cohort that emerged after World War I, reflecting themes of aimlessness, emotional numbness, and the search for meaning amidst chaos. The novel’s focus on naturalism can be seen through its emphasis on the characters’ struggles against both internal and external forces.
Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution was a period of significant technological, economic, and social change that began in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century, characterized by the transition from agrarian economies to industrialized and urbanized societies. This transformation influenced literature by introducing themes of progress, social change, and human experience in rapidly evolving environments.
James M. Cain's Novels: James M. Cain's novels are a significant contribution to American literature, known for their hard-boiled style and themes of desire, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. His works often explore the darker sides of human nature, depicting characters who are driven by greed and passion, which aligns closely with the principles of naturalism. These novels typically present a deterministic view of life, where characters are influenced by their environment and circumstances, emphasizing the struggles between individual desires and societal constraints.
Jennie Gerhardt: Jennie Gerhardt is the title character of Theodore Dreiser's novel, published in 1911, who embodies the themes of naturalism by portraying a woman's struggle against societal constraints and the harsh realities of life. The character's experiences reflect the deterministic view of naturalism, where individual choices are influenced by environmental and social factors, showcasing how her love life and social standing are deeply intertwined with the socioeconomic conditions of her time.
Maggie: a girl of the streets: Published in 1893 by Stephen Crane, 'Maggie: A Girl of the Streets' is a novel that explores the harsh realities of urban life and the struggles faced by a young woman in a poverty-stricken environment. The story follows Maggie, a girl growing up in the slums of New York City, highlighting the social forces that shape her destiny and ultimately lead to her tragic downfall. The work exemplifies the principles of naturalism by illustrating how environment, heredity, and social conditions dictate human behavior and outcomes.
Main-travelled roads: Main-travelled roads refer to the primary routes that people used for transportation and commerce during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in America. These roads were significant for connecting various regions and facilitated the movement of goods and individuals, reflecting the social, economic, and cultural dynamics of the time, particularly within the context of naturalism in literature.
Materialism: Materialism is a philosophical belief that prioritizes physical matter and the tangible world over spiritual or abstract concepts. It emphasizes that material possessions and physical well-being are fundamental to human existence, often viewing success and happiness through the lens of what can be owned or consumed. In literature, materialism often reflects characters' struggles with societal expectations and their desires for wealth and status.
McTeague: McTeague is a novel written by Frank Norris, published in 1899, that is a quintessential example of naturalism in American literature. The story follows the life of a San Francisco dentist named McTeague, whose descent into greed and violence reflects the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior. Through vivid characters and intense situations, the novel demonstrates how external forces shape individual destinies, which is a core principle of naturalism.
Modernism: Modernism is a broad cultural and artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a break from traditional forms and an exploration of new ideas, styles, and techniques. This movement sought to capture the complexities of modern life and experience, often focusing on themes of alienation, fragmentation, and disillusionment in the wake of rapid industrialization and societal change.
Naturalism: Naturalism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, emphasizing a realistic portrayal of life through the lens of environment, heredity, and social conditions. It often focuses on the darker aspects of human experience and depicts characters as products of their surroundings, arguing that behavior is determined by external forces rather than free will.
Realism: Realism is a literary movement that emerged in the mid-19th century, focusing on the depiction of everyday life and society without idealization or romanticism. It emphasizes ordinary characters and events, portraying life as it truly is, often highlighting social issues and the complexities of human experience.
Realistic fiction: Realistic fiction is a genre of literature that presents stories that could actually happen, focusing on believable characters, settings, and events. This genre often explores complex themes of everyday life, such as relationships, social issues, and personal struggles, making the narrative relatable to readers. It aims to reflect real-life experiences and emotions while allowing readers to engage with scenarios that mirror their own realities.
Scientific objectivity: Scientific objectivity refers to the practice of maintaining impartiality and neutrality in the observation, analysis, and interpretation of data in scientific inquiry. It emphasizes the importance of removing personal biases, emotions, and subjective influences to ensure that findings are based solely on observable phenomena and factual evidence. This approach is crucial for fostering trust in scientific research and establishing credible conclusions.
Setting: Setting refers to the time and place in which a story unfolds, encompassing not just the physical location but also the historical context and cultural environment. It establishes the backdrop for the narrative, influencing characters, events, and themes while providing readers with a framework to understand the story's mood and atmosphere.
Sister Carrie: 'Sister Carrie' is a novel by Theodore Dreiser, first published in 1900, that follows the life of a young woman named Carrie Meeber as she navigates the challenges of urban life, ambition, and desire in late 19th-century America. The story exemplifies naturalism, highlighting how environment, social conditions, and heredity shape human behavior and fate, ultimately portraying the harsh realities faced by individuals striving for success in an unforgiving society.
Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath: Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath is a novel published in 1939 that follows the struggles of the Joad family as they migrate from Oklahoma to California during the Great Depression, highlighting themes of social injustice and human suffering. The novel exemplifies naturalism in American literature by portraying the harsh realities faced by individuals due to their environment and socio-economic conditions, emphasizing the impact of fate and circumstance on human lives.
Stephen Crane: Stephen Crane was an American author and poet, known for his influential works that explored themes of realism and naturalism, especially during the late 19th century. His most famous work, 'The Red Badge of Courage,' captures the psychological complexities of war and the human condition, making significant contributions to the literary movements of realism and naturalism, which emphasized a more honest and unfiltered portrayal of life.
Survival: Survival refers to the state or fact of continuing to live or exist, especially in challenging or adverse conditions. In literature, particularly within the context of naturalism, survival often emphasizes the struggle against nature, societal forces, and internal conflicts that characters face as they navigate their existence. This concept highlights how individuals are shaped by their environment and circumstances, showcasing both resilience and vulnerability in their quest to persist.
The influence of heredity and environment: The influence of heredity and environment refers to the interplay between genetic factors and external conditions in shaping individual behavior, personality, and circumstances. This concept suggests that both inherited traits and environmental influences contribute significantly to who we are, reflecting a broader understanding of human nature in literature and life.
The Jungle: The Jungle is a novel written by Upton Sinclair, published in 1906, that portrays the harsh realities and struggles of immigrant life in the United States, particularly focusing on the meatpacking industry in Chicago. It is a significant work of American naturalism that aims to expose the exploitative conditions faced by workers and the unsanitary practices within the food industry, highlighting the broader social issues of capitalism and industrialization.
The Red Badge of Courage: The Red Badge of Courage is a novel by Stephen Crane, published in 1895, that tells the story of a young soldier named Henry Fleming during the American Civil War as he grapples with fear, bravery, and self-identity. The book is a significant example of realism and naturalism, illustrating the psychological struggles of its protagonist amidst the chaos of war, which highlights the influence of environment and inherent human instincts over individual choices.
The sea-wolf: The Sea-Wolf is a novel written by Jack London that tells the story of a literary critic named Humphrey van Weyden who becomes trapped on a sealing ship captained by the brutal Wolf Larsen. This work exemplifies naturalism in American literature, as it explores themes of survival, the struggle against nature, and the inherent brutality of existence, reflecting the influence of Darwinian ideas on human behavior.
To build a fire: To build a fire refers to the act of creating and maintaining a flame for warmth, cooking, or signaling, particularly in survival situations. This concept embodies the struggle between humans and nature, highlighting themes of isolation, perseverance, and the raw forces of the environment that are central to naturalism in literature.
Upton Sinclair's Exposés: Upton Sinclair's exposés are investigative works that revealed harsh social conditions and unethical practices in industries, most famously illustrated in his novel 'The Jungle.' These writings serve as a critical lens on the impact of industrialization and capitalism on American society, emphasizing the struggles of the working class and the need for reform. Sinclair's work is integral to understanding the naturalistic themes in American literature, which often focus on the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior.
Urbanization: Urbanization refers to the increasing population shift from rural to urban areas, leading to the growth of cities and towns. This phenomenon is often associated with industrialization, as economic opportunities in urban centers attract people seeking jobs and a better quality of life. As urban areas expand, they often face challenges such as overcrowding, infrastructure strain, and social changes, influencing literature and culture.
Vandover and the Brute: 'Vandover and the Brute' is a novel by Frank Norris that exemplifies the principles of naturalism in American literature, focusing on the struggle between human desires and societal constraints. The story centers on the character of Vandover, who grapples with his ambitions and moral dilemmas in a world governed by instincts and brute force. This narrative embodies the naturalistic themes of determinism, the influence of environment, and the inherent animalistic tendencies within humans, making it a key work in understanding the broader naturalistic movement.