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.
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In literature, materialism is often depicted through characters who are driven by their desires for wealth and possessions, reflecting societal values of the time.
Naturalist writers often explore the idea that material conditions directly affect human lives, highlighting how poverty or wealth can shape an individual's fate.
Materialism can lead to conflicts within characters, especially when their aspirations clash with societal expectations or personal values.
The rise of industrialization in the 19th century contributed to materialistic themes in literature, as writers responded to the changing economic landscape.
Critics of materialism argue that it can lead to moral decay and a loss of deeper meaning in life, suggesting that an overemphasis on physical possessions can overshadow spiritual fulfillment.
Review Questions
How does materialism manifest in the characters of naturalist literature, and what does this reveal about their motivations?
In naturalist literature, materialism often appears through characters who are deeply motivated by their desires for wealth and status. These characters frequently struggle against societal constraints and personal limitations. Their motivations highlight how external forces such as poverty or societal expectations can dictate their actions and shape their destinies, revealing a deterministic view of human behavior influenced by material conditions.
Discuss the relationship between materialism and realism in literature, focusing on how both movements address societal values.
Materialism and realism share a connection in how they address societal values through literature. Realism focuses on depicting everyday life without romanticizing it, often showcasing characters' struggles within a realistic setting. Materialism complements this by emphasizing how characters' desires for wealth or possessions are shaped by their environments. Together, they reveal the tensions between personal aspirations and societal pressures, illustrating the impact of material wealth on human relationships and moral choices.
Evaluate the implications of materialism in contemporary society compared to its portrayal in 19th-century literature.
Materialism in contemporary society has evolved but retains its core focus on physical possessions as symbols of success. Unlike the 19th-century portrayal, where characters were often trapped by societal expectations regarding wealth, modern depictions highlight an ongoing struggle against consumer culture. This shift allows for critical reflections on identity and value systems today. Evaluating these implications reveals a persistent tension between material pursuits and deeper existential questions about fulfillment and purpose in life.
Related terms
Realism: A literary movement that seeks to represent everyday life and society as it is, focusing on ordinary characters and situations without idealization.
An extension of realism that incorporates a more scientific approach, emphasizing the influence of environment, heredity, and social conditions on human behavior.
Consumerism: A social and economic order that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts, often linked to materialism.