8.3 Social Critique in Realist and Naturalist Works
3 min read•july 24, 2024
Realist and naturalist literature exposed through vivid portrayals of , , and . These works highlighted the deterministic forces shaping characters' lives, from biological factors to .
Literature's impact on society was significant. Authors employed various techniques to create relatable characters and realistic narratives, sparking public reactions and influencing political discourse. Many works directly contributed to reform movements, advancing causes like abolition and .
Social Critique in Realist and Naturalist Literature
Portrayal of social inequalities
Top images from around the web for Portrayal of social inequalities
Schools as Formal Organizations | Boundless Sociology View original
Is this image relevant?
How Data Can Map and Make Racial Inequality More Visible (If Done Responsibly) View original
Is this image relevant?
Gender inequality - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Schools as Formal Organizations | Boundless Sociology View original
Is this image relevant?
How Data Can Map and Make Racial Inequality More Visible (If Done Responsibly) View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Portrayal of social inequalities
Schools as Formal Organizations | Boundless Sociology View original
Is this image relevant?
How Data Can Map and Make Racial Inequality More Visible (If Done Responsibly) View original
Is this image relevant?
Gender inequality - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Schools as Formal Organizations | Boundless Sociology View original
Is this image relevant?
How Data Can Map and Make Racial Inequality More Visible (If Done Responsibly) View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Class disparities exposed unequal wealth distribution led to limited educational opportunities and substandard living conditions for lower classes ()
- Gender inequalities highlighted women's lack of rights and pervasive patriarchal structures restricted female autonomy ()
- Racial discrimination depicted through segregation practices and harmful stereotyping perpetuated social divisions ()
- Labor exploitation revealed harsh working conditions and widespread child labor in factories and mines ()
- Urban poverty illustrated through depictions of overcrowded slums and rising homelessness in rapidly industrializing cities ()
- Rural hardships portrayed struggles of tenant farmers and agricultural challenges faced by small landowners ()
Determinism in character development
- emphasized heredity and genetic predispositions as inescapable factors shaping characters' fates ()
- Social explored how family background and economic status limited or expanded characters' life choices ()
- Environmental influences showed how geographic location and climate molded characters' personalities and opportunities ()
- demonstrated impact of political climate and technological advancements on characters' worldviews ()
- Cultural norms illustrated how societal expectations and religious beliefs constrained characters' actions (Madame Bovary)
- highlighted how access to knowledge affected social mobility and life trajectories ()
Literature's Impact on Society
Effectiveness of social critique
- Readership and circulation analyzed target audience and publication methods to assess works' reach and influence ()
- Public reaction documented controversy and critical reception sparked by challenging social norms ()
- traced influence on legislation and shifts in public opinion following literary exposés ()
- employed vivid descriptions and unembellished language to create realistic portrayals ()
- crafted relatable protagonists and multidimensional antagonists to humanize social issues ()
- utilized linear storytelling and multiple perspectives to present complex social problems ()
Literature and reform movements
- fueled by anti-slavery literature raised awareness and galvanized support ()
- Women's suffrage advanced through feminist writings challenged traditional gender roles ()
- promoted by proletarian novels exposed exploitation and advocated for workers' protections ()
- supported by cautionary tales highlighted alcohol's destructive effects on families and society ()
- inspired by muckraking journalism uncovered corruption and spurred political action ()
- Authors as activists engaged in public speaking engagements and political involvement to directly advocate for change ()
- Artistic collaborations incorporated illustrations and theatrical adaptations to broaden works' impact and accessibility (Dickens' public readings)
- Government response ranged from censorship attempts to commissioned works addressing social issues (state-sponsored social )
Key Terms to Review (43)
A room of one's own: A room of one's own refers to the metaphorical and literal need for personal space, autonomy, and financial independence that allows individuals, particularly women, to create and express themselves artistically and intellectually. This concept emphasizes the importance of having a private space where one can think freely, reflect, and pursue creative endeavors without interruption or societal constraints.
Abolitionist Movement: The abolitionist movement was a social and political campaign aimed at ending slavery and the slave trade, primarily in the United States and Britain, during the 18th and 19th centuries. This movement emerged from a growing moral opposition to slavery, influencing literature, politics, and public opinion to push for the liberation of enslaved people. Its impacts are reflected in various realist and naturalist works that critiqued social injustices and highlighted the human cost of slavery.
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a novel by Mark Twain, published in 1884, that follows the journey of a young boy named Huck Finn as he travels down the Mississippi River. The book serves as a powerful social critique of antebellum society, particularly regarding issues like racism, social class, and moral hypocrisy, making it a key example of realism and naturalism in American literature.
Anna Karenina: Anna Karenina is a novel by Leo Tolstoy, published in 1877, that explores the complexities of love, infidelity, and social norms in 19th-century Russia. The story revolves around the tragic life of its titular character, Anna, who becomes embroiled in a passionate affair with Count Vronsky, leading to devastating consequences. The novel serves as a critique of society's rigid moral codes and the struggles individuals face when their desires conflict with societal expectations.
Artistic techniques: Artistic techniques refer to the specific methods and practices that writers and artists use to convey their themes, emotions, and messages effectively. These techniques can include narrative style, imagery, symbolism, and character development, all of which serve to enhance the storytelling and deepen the audience's understanding of social issues.
Biological determinism: Biological determinism is the theory that biological factors, such as genetics and physiology, fundamentally shape human behavior and social structures. This perspective often suggests that social differences, including class, race, and gender roles, are rooted in inherent biological traits. In the context of literature, particularly within realism and naturalism, this concept critiques the notion that individual agency is solely responsible for one’s fate, arguing instead that environmental and genetic influences play a significant role in determining human experience.
Character Development: Character development refers to the process by which a character evolves and grows throughout a narrative, revealing their complexities, motivations, and emotional depth. This progression allows readers to connect with characters on a deeper level, as they witness their transformations, struggles, and responses to various situations. Effective character development often involves the interplay of internal conflicts, relationships with other characters, and how personal experiences shape one's identity and decisions.
Class disparities: Class disparities refer to the differences in wealth, resources, and opportunities between different social classes within a society. These disparities often result in unequal access to education, healthcare, and social mobility, leading to a cycle of poverty and privilege that affects individuals' life chances. In literature, particularly in realist and naturalist works, class disparities serve as a critical lens through which the struggles and experiences of characters from various backgrounds are examined.
Determinism: Determinism is the philosophical concept that all events, including moral choices, are determined completely by previously existing causes. It suggests that every action or decision is the result of prior conditions, including genetics, environment, and social influences. In literature, this idea shapes narratives by depicting characters whose fates are dictated by their circumstances and inherent traits.
Education and opportunity: Education and opportunity refer to the access individuals have to learning experiences and the chances available to them for social and economic advancement. This concept highlights how education can serve as a powerful tool for achieving greater life prospects, influencing social mobility, and shaping individual potential. In literary contexts, these themes often reveal systemic inequalities and critiques of societal structures that limit access to quality education and equitable opportunities.
émile zola: Émile Zola was a French novelist and playwright, best known for his role in the development of Naturalism in literature during the late 19th century. His works often depicted the struggles of the working class and the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior, which are key aspects of both Realism and Naturalism. Zola's literary contributions highlight social issues, making him a significant figure in the critique of society through literature.
Environmental Influences: Environmental influences refer to the external factors and conditions that shape the lives and experiences of individuals, particularly in how they relate to their social, economic, and cultural contexts. In literature, these influences highlight the impact of surroundings—such as nature, society, and circumstance—on characters' behaviors, choices, and fates, often serving as a critical lens through which to examine broader societal issues.
Gender discrimination: Gender discrimination refers to the unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals based on their gender, often manifesting in unequal opportunities, rights, and roles in society. This form of discrimination is rooted in societal norms and stereotypes that perpetuate inequality between genders, affecting various aspects of life such as education, employment, and personal relationships. It highlights systemic issues within cultural, economic, and political contexts.
Germinal: In literature, 'germinal' refers to the beginnings or early stages of something that has the potential to develop or grow. This term is often used in the context of narratives that depict the initial ideas or movements that pave the way for broader social or cultural changes, especially within realism and naturalism. It encapsulates themes of emergence and growth, connecting to societal issues and human experiences.
Great expectations: Great Expectations is a novel by Charles Dickens that follows the life of an orphan named Pip, exploring themes of social class, ambition, and personal development. The story is significant in illustrating the complexities of social mobility and individual aspirations within a realist framework, often critiquing the societal norms of Dickens' time.
Historical context: Historical context refers to the social, cultural, political, and economic conditions that existed during a specific time period, which influence and shape the meaning of events, texts, and ideas. Understanding historical context is crucial for interpreting literature and art, as it helps to reveal how these works respond to the issues and values of their time.
Jude the Obscure: Jude the Obscure is a novel written by Thomas Hardy, published in 1895, that tells the story of Jude Fawley, a young man with aspirations to become a scholar but who faces numerous societal obstacles. This work critically examines themes of social class, education, and the constraints imposed by society, which are central to the realist and naturalist movements in literature. Hardy’s portrayal of Jude’s struggles reflects a deep social critique of Victorian society and its rigid class structure.
L'assommoir: L'assommoir is a French term that translates to 'the taproom' or 'the bar', which serves as a symbol of social decay and the struggles of the working class. In literature, especially within the Realist and Naturalist movements, it often represents a space where characters confront their harsh realities, leading to themes of addiction, despair, and the effects of urban life on individuals. This setting highlights the social critique inherent in these literary works, revealing the harsh conditions faced by the lower classes.
Labor exploitation: Labor exploitation refers to the unfair treatment of workers, where they are compelled to work under conditions that violate their rights, often for minimal compensation and without adequate protections. This term highlights the power imbalances between employers and employees, showcasing how certain economic systems can devalue human labor and prioritize profit over well-being.
Labor rights: Labor rights are the legal and human rights related to the conditions and treatment of workers, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to organize and negotiate collectively. These rights serve as a framework for ensuring that workers are treated justly and have a voice in their employment, which is crucial for addressing social inequalities and injustices in society.
Les misérables: Les Misérables is a novel written by Victor Hugo, published in 1862, that explores themes of justice, redemption, and the struggles of the poor in 19th-century France. It is a pivotal work in both the Romantic and Realist literary traditions, showcasing the human condition and social issues while also embodying the emotional intensity and idealism characteristic of Romantic literature.
Madame Bovary: Madame Bovary is a novel by Gustave Flaubert published in 1857 that tells the story of Emma Bovary, a woman who seeks to escape her mundane provincial life through romantic fantasies and material excess. This work is often cited as a seminal example of realism and naturalism in literature, illustrating the constraints of society and the psychological depths of its characters.
Middlemarch: Middlemarch is a novel written by George Eliot, published in 1871-72, and is considered one of the greatest works of English literature. The novel explores various themes including social change, marriage, idealism, and the intersection of personal ambitions with societal expectations, all set against the backdrop of a fictional provincial town in England. Its rich character development and intricate narrative structure allow for deep social critique and reflection on the human condition.
Nana: In literature, 'nana' often refers to a grandmother or a maternal figure, embodying the themes of familial bonds, nurturing, and cultural heritage. This term captures the significance of matriarchs in shaping social dynamics and personal identities, especially within realist and naturalist works, where such figures often symbolize stability amidst social upheaval and change.
Narrative structures: Narrative structures refer to the organized ways in which a story is told, including the sequence of events, the perspective from which the story is narrated, and the techniques used to convey themes and messages. This concept is crucial in analyzing how stories depict social realities and critique societal norms, especially in realist and naturalist works.
Naturalism: Naturalism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, emphasizing a detailed and unembellished depiction of life through the lens of scientific observation and determinism. It connects closely to realism, but takes a step further by suggesting that human behavior is influenced by environment, heredity, and social conditions, portraying individuals as products of their circumstances.
Oliver Twist: Oliver Twist is a novel by Charles Dickens published in 1837 that tells the story of a young orphan navigating the harsh realities of life in 19th-century England. It explores themes of poverty, social injustice, and the struggle for identity, showcasing the plight of the underprivileged while critiquing societal norms and institutions that perpetuate suffering.
Père goriot: Père Goriot is a novel by Honoré de Balzac, published in 1835, that serves as a quintessential example of realism in literature. It tells the story of Eugène de Rastignac, a young law student who navigates the complex social hierarchies of Paris while being drawn into the world of Père Goriot, an aging father who sacrifices everything for his daughters. This narrative provides profound insights into the social dynamics of 19th-century France, highlighting themes of ambition, class struggle, and the corrupting influence of wealth.
Political impact: Political impact refers to the influence that literature, particularly in realist and naturalist works, has on societal structures, ideologies, and governance. These literary movements often critique social injustices and the conditions of life, leading to discussions about reform and political change. Through their narratives, these works can shape public opinion, highlight disparities, and inspire movements that address political issues.
Progressive era reforms: Progressive era reforms refer to a series of social, political, and economic changes that took place in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, aimed at addressing the issues caused by industrialization, urbanization, and corruption. These reforms sought to promote social justice, improve labor conditions, expand democracy, and curb corporate power, often reflecting the concerns of a rapidly changing society.
Realism: Realism is a literary movement that emerged in the 19th century, focusing on representing everyday life and society with accuracy and authenticity. It emphasizes detailed character development, realistic settings, and plausible events, often highlighting the ordinary experiences of common people rather than the extraordinary. This approach connects deeply to the development of prose fiction, the evolution of the novel, and the exploration of societal issues through literature.
Serialized novels: Serialized novels are literary works published in sequential installments, often appearing in magazines or periodicals before being released as a complete book. This format allowed authors to engage with readers over time and create anticipation for each new installment, while also addressing social issues and critiques relevant to their audience, which is particularly evident in realist and naturalist literature.
Social inequalities: Social inequalities refer to the disparities in resources, opportunities, and treatment that exist among different social groups. These inequalities can manifest in various forms, including economic disparities, unequal access to education and healthcare, and discrimination based on race, gender, or class. In literature, particularly in realist and naturalist works, social inequalities are often depicted to highlight the struggles of marginalized groups and to critique the societal structures that perpetuate these disparities.
Temperance movement: The temperance movement was a social and political campaign advocating for the reduction or prohibition of alcohol consumption. Emerging in the early 19th century, this movement aimed to address the social issues linked to alcohol abuse, such as poverty, domestic violence, and moral decay, making it a critical aspect of social reform during that period.
The call of the wild: The call of the wild refers to the primal instincts and the natural, untamed side of animals that emerge when they are faced with survival in harsh environments. This term connects to themes of naturalism and realism, where characters often respond to external pressures and environments that shape their behavior and fate, highlighting the struggle between civilization and nature.
The Grapes of Wrath: The Grapes of Wrath is a novel by John Steinbeck published in 1939 that depicts the struggles of the Joad family as they migrate from Oklahoma to California during the Great Depression. It serves as a poignant social critique, highlighting the plight of displaced farmers and the injustices faced by migrant workers, thereby illustrating the harsh realities of life during this turbulent period.
The jungle: The jungle refers to a densely vegetated, often tropical area that is seen as a wild, untamed space teeming with life and danger. In literature, it symbolizes the chaotic, harsh realities of life, particularly in industrialized societies where survival is a struggle against oppressive systems. The jungle serves as a backdrop for exploring themes of human suffering and social injustice, making it a crucial element in understanding various literary movements.
The Octopus: The octopus is a metaphor often used in literature to describe complex systems, entanglements, or social issues that are difficult to unravel. In the context of social critique, it represents the multifaceted nature of societal problems and how they are interconnected, revealing how individuals can feel trapped within larger structures that govern their lives.
The ragged-trousered philanthropists: The ragged-trousered philanthropists refers to a group of working-class characters depicted in the novel 'The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists' by Robert Tressell, who are shown struggling against poverty while trying to maintain their dignity and humanity. This term symbolizes the plight of the working class, emphasizing themes of social inequality and the exploitation of labor, which are central to realist and naturalist literature.
Thérèse raquin: Thérèse Raquin is a novel written by Émile Zola that explores the themes of passion, guilt, and the darker aspects of human nature. The story follows Thérèse, a young woman trapped in a mundane life, who engages in an affair that leads to a series of tragic events. This work is pivotal in illustrating the social critique inherent in Naturalism, particularly the examination of moral constraints and the influence of environment on human behavior.
Uncle Tom's Cabin: Uncle Tom's Cabin is a novel written by Harriet Beecher Stowe, first published in 1852, which depicts the harsh realities of slavery in the United States. It played a crucial role in shaping public opinion against slavery, influencing the abolitionist movement and leading to significant social change. The novel is considered a key work in American literature, illustrating the moral struggles surrounding slavery and human rights.
War and peace: War and peace refers to the contrasting states of conflict and harmony in human society, often explored through literature to depict the complexities of human experience. This concept delves into the impact of war on individuals and societies, highlighting themes of morality, sacrifice, and the quest for understanding amid chaos. The exploration of these themes can be found in various realist and naturalist works, where authors reflect on the societal consequences of conflict and the intricate balance between human struggles and aspirations for tranquility.
Women's suffrage: Women's suffrage refers to the movement advocating for the right of women to vote in elections. This movement emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as women fought for equal political representation and recognition, challenging societal norms that relegated them to domestic roles. The struggle for women's suffrage highlighted issues of gender inequality and was a significant aspect of broader social critiques within realist and naturalist literature, where authors examined the constraints placed on women in society.