Intro to Comparative Literature

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Environmental Influence

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Intro to Comparative Literature

Definition

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.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Naturalist writers like Crane, Dreiser, and Norris believed that human behavior is largely shaped by environmental factors such as socioeconomic status and geography.
  2. The characters in Naturalist literature often find themselves trapped by their circumstances, illustrating the struggle against forces beyond their control.
  3. Environmental influence in Naturalism also includes the impact of urbanization and industrialization on individuals, reflecting the changing landscapes of society during the late 19th century.
  4. In works by these authors, nature can be depicted as indifferent or even hostile to human existence, emphasizing the struggle for survival.
  5. Naturalism's focus on environmental influence contrasts with earlier literary movements that idealized human agency and individualism.

Review Questions

  • How does environmental influence manifest in the characters created by Naturalist authors?
    • In the works of Naturalist authors like Crane, Dreiser, and Norris, environmental influence manifests through characters who are significantly shaped by their socioeconomic backgrounds and the harsh realities of their surroundings. These characters often face insurmountable challenges dictated by their environment, leading to a sense of fatalism. For instance, a character born into poverty may struggle against systemic limitations that dictate their fate, reflecting how their environment determines their choices and outcomes.
  • Discuss how the concept of environmental influence relates to the themes of urbanization and industrialization in Naturalist literature.
    • Environmental influence is deeply intertwined with themes of urbanization and industrialization in Naturalist literature. Authors often depict how rapidly changing urban landscapes affect individuals' lives and interactions. Characters may find themselves overwhelmed by the impersonal nature of industrial cities, illustrating how these environments contribute to feelings of alienation and despair. The chaotic settings serve as a backdrop that emphasizes the struggle for survival amid societal upheaval.
  • Evaluate the implications of environmental influence on character development in Naturalist works compared to previous literary movements.
    • The implications of environmental influence on character development in Naturalist works highlight a shift from individual agency seen in Romanticism to a focus on external factors that shape human behavior. Unlike earlier literary movements that celebrated personal choice and heroism, Naturalism presents characters as products of their environments. This perspective raises questions about free will and responsibility, suggesting that many struggles arise from uncontrollable circumstances rather than personal failings. Thus, Naturalism offers a more deterministic view of life that reflects societal challenges of its time.
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