6.4 Naturalism: Crane, Dreiser, and Norris
4 min read•august 13, 2024
emerged as a literary movement in the late 19th century, influenced by and scientific thought. Writers like Crane, Dreiser, and Norris portrayed characters shaped by heredity and environment, often struggling against predetermined fates.
These authors explored themes of poverty, social class, and the American Dream through . Their works critiqued society and highlighted the power of external forces over individual lives, adapting European naturalist ideas to the American context.
Determinism and Naturalism
Philosophical and Scientific Influences
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- Determinism is a philosophical belief that all events, including human actions and choices, are ultimately determined by external forces beyond individual control
- Examples of external forces include heredity, environment, and chance
- Scientific thought in the late 19th century influenced naturalist writers to view human behavior as the product of natural forces rather than free will
- Theories of Charles Darwin (evolution, natural selection) and Herbert Spencer () were particularly influential
Impact on Characters and Themes
- Naturalist characters are often portrayed as being shaped by their heredity and environment
- Their actions and fates are predetermined by these factors
- Themes in naturalist literature often revolve around the struggle for survival and the futility of human endeavor in the face of deterministic forces
- The impact of social and economic forces on individuals is a common theme
- Characters often struggle against their predetermined fates, highlighting the tension between individual agency and determinism
Social Forces in Naturalist Literature
Poverty and Social Conditions
- 's novel "" depicts the harsh realities of poverty and the impact of social conditions on the titular character's life and eventual downfall
- Maggie's environment in the slums of New York City shapes her experiences and limits her opportunities
- Her struggle to escape poverty and find a better life is ultimately futile, reflecting the deterministic worldview of naturalism
Ambition, Social Class, and the American Dream
- 's "" and "An American Tragedy" explore the influence of social class, ambition, and the pursuit of wealth on the lives and fates of their protagonists
- In "Sister Carrie," the titular character's rise from poverty to success is shaped by her ambition and the social forces around her
- "An American Tragedy" portrays the downfall of , whose pursuit of wealth and status leads to his ruin
- 's "" and "The Octopus" portray the effects of greed, corruption, and the struggle for power on individuals caught in the grip of larger economic and social forces
- "McTeague" follows the titular character's descent into poverty and violence, driven by his innate greed and the social conditions around him
- "The Octopus" depicts the conflict between California wheat farmers and the railroad monopoly, highlighting the power of economic forces over individual lives
- These works often critique the American Dream, highlighting the challenges and limitations faced by those attempting to rise above their social and economic circumstances
Gritty Realism in Naturalist Novels
Unvarnished Portrayal of Life
- Naturalist writers sought to present a realistic, unvarnished portrayal of life, often focusing on the experiences of working-class or marginalized individuals
- They rejected the idealized or romanticized depictions of life found in earlier literary movements
- Gritty realism involves the use of vivid, detailed descriptions of poverty, violence, and other harsh aspects of life to create a sense of authenticity and immediacy
- Examples include descriptions of slum conditions, industrial accidents, and the brutality of war
Graphic Descriptions and Biological Determinism
- Graphic descriptions of bodily functions, injuries, and physical suffering are common in naturalist novels
- These descriptions emphasize the biological and physiological aspects of human existence
- They underscore the vulnerability of individuals to the forces of nature and society
- The use of gritty realism and graphic descriptions serves to reinforce the deterministic worldview of naturalism
- Characters are portrayed as being at the mercy of their biological drives and the physical conditions of their environment
- The graphic nature of these descriptions heightens the sense of the characters' lack of control over their own lives
American vs European Naturalism
Shared Influences and Themes
- American naturalists, such as Crane, Dreiser, and Norris, were influenced by European writers like Émile Zola and Henrik Ibsen but adapted naturalist themes to the American context
- Zola's novels, such as "Germinal" and "L'Assommoir," were influential in establishing the naturalist movement in Europe
- Ibsen's plays, such as "A Doll's House" and "Ghosts," explored deterministic themes and social issues
- Both American and European naturalists employed a detached, objective narrative style, often using third-person narration to create a sense of scientific observation
- This narrative style reflects the influence of scientific thought on naturalist literature
- It reinforces the idea of characters as subjects of study rather than fully autonomous individuals
Differences in Focus and Worldview
- European naturalists often focused on the impact of and urbanization on individuals, while American naturalists also explored themes of westward expansion, social mobility, and the American Dream
- American naturalists were interested in the specific social and economic conditions of the United States, such as the rise of big business and the closing of the frontier
- However, American naturalists sometimes incorporated elements of romanticism or sentimentality alongside their naturalistic themes, reflecting the influence of earlier American literary traditions
- For example, Norris's "The Octopus" includes romantic subplots and idealized characters alongside its naturalistic portrayal of the struggle between farmers and the railroad
- While European naturalists tended to be more strictly deterministic in their worldview, some American naturalists allowed for the possibility of individual agency or resistance against deterministic forces
- Dreiser's "Sister Carrie," for example, suggests that Carrie's own ambition and resourcefulness play a role in her success, even as she is shaped by social forces beyond her control
Key Terms to Review (22)
Biological determinism: Biological determinism is the theory that biological factors, such as genetics and physiology, shape human behavior and social structures, often implying that individuals are predetermined by their biological makeup. This concept suggests that people's abilities, behaviors, and social roles are largely dictated by their biology rather than by cultural or environmental influences. It plays a significant role in the understanding of Naturalism, where writers explore how characters are influenced by their genetic heritage and the conditions of their environment.
Carrie Meeber: Carrie Meeber is the central character in Theodore Dreiser's novel 'Sister Carrie,' published in 1900. She embodies the struggles of a young woman seeking success and fulfillment in a rapidly industrializing America, illustrating themes of ambition, desire, and the harsh realities of urban life. Carrie's journey reflects the naturalist perspective by emphasizing the influence of environment and social conditions on individual fate.
Clyde Griffiths: Clyde Griffiths is the main character in Theodore Dreiser's novel 'An American Tragedy,' representing the struggles of an individual against the deterministic forces of society. His story illustrates themes of ambition, desire, and the impact of social class in the context of Naturalism, showcasing how external circumstances shape personal destiny.
Detailed description: A detailed description is a literary technique that involves providing comprehensive and vivid information about characters, settings, or events to create a clear and immersive picture for the reader. This technique enhances the reader's understanding of the narrative, enabling them to visualize scenes and empathize with characters more deeply.
Determinism: Determinism is the philosophical belief that all events, including human actions, are determined by preceding events in accordance with the natural laws. This concept implies that every choice and action is influenced by factors such as environment, heredity, and social conditions, leaving little room for free will. In literature, this notion often manifests through characters whose fates are shaped by their circumstances, reflecting a world governed by external forces.
Environmental Influence: Environmental influence refers to the various external factors, such as social, economic, and physical surroundings, that impact individuals and their development. In literature, this concept is crucial in understanding how characters and narratives are shaped by their environments, which is a hallmark of Naturalism.
Frank Norris: Frank Norris was an American novelist and essayist, considered one of the major figures in the literary movement of Naturalism. He is best known for his works that depict the struggle of individuals against the forces of nature and society, highlighting themes of determinism and the impact of environment on human behavior. Norris's writing reflects a belief in the power of storytelling to reveal the harsh realities of life, making him a significant contributor to the evolution of American literature.
Gilded Age: The Gilded Age refers to a period in American history from the 1870s to about 1900, characterized by rapid industrialization, economic growth, and significant social change, alongside stark social inequality and political corruption. The era got its name from Mark Twain's novel, which highlighted the disparity between the opulence of the wealthy elite and the struggles of the working class. This duality is essential to understanding the emergence of literary movements that focused on realism and naturalism, reflecting the complexities of American society during this time.
Gritty realism: Gritty realism is a literary and artistic movement that emphasizes the harsh, unvarnished aspects of life, often portraying characters in difficult circumstances and environments. This approach focuses on the struggles, challenges, and sometimes the brutality of everyday existence, aiming to provide a raw and authentic depiction of reality. In literature, gritty realism seeks to capture the complexities of human experience without glossing over uncomfortable truths.
Industrialization: Industrialization is the process of transforming economies from primarily agrarian-based to industrial ones, characterized by the growth of factories, mechanization, and mass production. This shift led to significant social, economic, and cultural changes, impacting the way people lived and worked.
Maggie Johnson: Maggie Johnson is the central character in Stephen Crane's novel 'Maggie: A Girl of the Streets', which exemplifies the themes of naturalism. This character’s life story portrays the harsh realities of urban poverty, illustrating how environment and social circumstances can shape an individual's destiny. The narrative serves as a critique of the social conditions faced by women in 19th-century America, reflecting broader naturalistic themes of determinism and the impact of one's surroundings on personal fate.
Maggie: a girl of the streets: 'Maggie: A Girl of the Streets' is a novel by Stephen Crane that explores the harsh realities of urban life in late 19th-century America. The story follows a young girl named Maggie, who navigates the struggles of poverty, family dysfunction, and the search for love in a society that often dehumanizes individuals. The novel is a key example of naturalism, showcasing how environment and social conditions shape human behavior and destiny.
McTeague: McTeague is a novel written by Frank Norris, published in 1899, that exemplifies the principles of naturalism in literature. The story follows the life of a dentist named McTeague and explores themes of greed, desire, and the impact of environment on human behavior. It illustrates how characters are often at the mercy of their instincts and social conditions, which are central tenets of naturalism.
Naturalism: Naturalism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by its focus on realism and the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior. It emphasizes a scientific approach to literature, depicting life with stark accuracy and often highlighting the darker aspects of human existence, such as poverty, violence, and societal struggles.
Psychological realism: Psychological realism is a literary technique that focuses on the internal thoughts, feelings, and motivations of characters, providing a deep exploration of their psychological states. This approach emphasizes character development over plot, allowing readers to understand the complexities of human behavior and the subtleties of emotion. By delving into the psyche of characters, works embodying psychological realism often reveal how individual experiences shape broader social and cultural contexts.
Sister Carrie: Sister Carrie is a novel by Theodore Dreiser published in 1900, which follows the life of a young woman, Carrie Meeber, as she moves to Chicago in search of a better life. The story explores themes of ambition, social mobility, and the impact of industrialization on society, showcasing the struggles and moral dilemmas faced by individuals in a rapidly changing world. This novel is often regarded as a significant work of American naturalism, highlighting the deterministic forces of environment and heredity on human behavior.
Social commentary: Social commentary is a form of expression that critiques society, its norms, and its injustices, often aiming to raise awareness and provoke thought or change. It is often embedded in literature, art, and media, reflecting the author’s perspective on social issues and encouraging readers to engage with these themes. The effectiveness of social commentary can be seen in how it highlights the complexities of human experience and societal dynamics.
Social Darwinism: Social Darwinism is a sociological theory that applies the concept of 'survival of the fittest,' originally coined by Charles Darwin in the context of natural selection, to human societies. It suggests that social progress and economic success come from competition and that those who are most capable will rise to the top, while those deemed less fit will naturally fall behind. This idea is crucial in understanding the themes of Naturalism found in literature, particularly as it pertains to how characters navigate their environment and social structures.
Stephen Crane: Stephen Crane was an American author and poet known for his contributions to the Naturalism literary movement during the late 19th century. His works often depicted the struggles of individuals against harsh realities, reflecting the influences of environment and fate on human behavior, which are central themes in Naturalism.
Theodore Dreiser: Theodore Dreiser was an influential American novelist and a key figure in the Naturalist movement, known for his realistic portrayal of social issues and human struggles. His works often focused on the darker aspects of life, exploring themes of determinism, social class, and the impact of environment on individual behavior, which align closely with the principles of Naturalism seen in other writers like Stephen Crane and Frank Norris.
Urban environments: Urban environments refer to areas characterized by high population density and vast human-built features in comparison to areas surrounding it. These settings typically include cities and towns where social, economic, and cultural activities are concentrated, influencing the lives of their inhabitants. In the context of literature, especially within naturalism, urban environments highlight the struggle of individuals against societal forces and their impact on human behavior.
Working-class neighborhoods: Working-class neighborhoods are urban areas predominantly inhabited by individuals and families from the working class, often characterized by modest housing, limited economic resources, and a close-knit community atmosphere. These neighborhoods often reflect the socio-economic challenges faced by their residents, including issues such as poverty, unemployment, and limited access to education and healthcare.