Glossary

2.6 Naturalism as a literary movement

8 min read•august 21, 2024

emerged as a literary movement in the late 19th century, emphasizing scientific objectivity and in storytelling. It challenged Romantic ideals by focusing on harsh realities of human existence and social conditions.

Naturalist literature employs meticulous observation of human behavior and social conditions. It presents characters as products of their environment, often struggling against societal forces, and explores taboo subjects with unflinching honesty.

Origins of Naturalism

  • Emerged in the late 19th century as a literary movement emphasizing scientific objectivity and determinism in storytelling
  • Sought to apply principles of scientific observation and experimentation to literature, reflecting the era's emphasis on empirical knowledge
  • Challenged prevailing Romantic ideals by focusing on harsh realities of human existence and social conditions

Influence of scientific thought

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  • Drew heavily from Charles Darwin's theory of evolution and natural selection
  • Incorporated ideas from positivist philosophy, emphasizing observable phenomena and empirical evidence
  • Adopted Claude Bernard's experimental method, applying scientific rigor to literary analysis and character development
  • Embraced deterministic view of human behavior, influenced by emerging fields of psychology and sociology

Reaction to Romanticism

  • Rejected Romantic idealization of nature and human emotions
  • Focused on gritty, unvarnished depictions of reality instead of romanticized narratives
  • Abandoned notions of divine intervention or supernatural elements in storytelling
  • Emphasized objectivity and detachment in narrative voice, contrasting with Romantic subjectivity

Key philosophical foundations

  • Determinism underpins Naturalist worldview, asserting that human actions result from heredity and environment
  • Materialism emphasizes physical reality over spiritual or metaphysical concepts
  • Pessimism pervades Naturalist works, often portraying life as a struggle against insurmountable forces
  • Social influences Naturalist perspectives on societal structures and individual success

Characteristics of Naturalist literature

  • Employs meticulous observation and documentation of human behavior and social conditions
  • Presents characters as products of their environment, often struggling against societal forces
  • Explores taboo subjects and controversial themes with unflinching honesty

Objective narrative style

  • Utilizes detached, impartial narration to present events without moral judgment
  • Employs precise, scientific language to describe characters and settings
  • Minimizes authorial intrusion, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions
  • Incorporates extensive research and factual details to create verisimilitude

Determinism vs free will

  • Portrays characters as products of their heredity and environment, with limited agency
  • Explores tension between individual desires and overwhelming social or biological forces
  • Challenges notion of moral responsibility by emphasizing external influences on behavior
  • Depicts characters' struggles against fate as ultimately futile or predetermined

Focus on lower social classes

  • Centers narratives on working-class, impoverished, or marginalized individuals
  • Examines harsh realities of poverty, labor exploitation, and social inequality
  • Portrays struggles of characters to survive and improve their circumstances
  • Critiques societal structures that perpetuate class divisions and economic hardship

Emphasis on heredity

  • Explores genetic inheritance as a determining factor in character behavior and fate
  • Examines generational patterns of behavior, addiction, or mental illness
  • Incorporates emerging scientific understanding of genetics into character development
  • Challenges notions of individual exceptionalism by highlighting biological determinism

Major Naturalist authors

  • Shaped the literary landscape of the late 19th and early 20th centuries with their groundbreaking works
  • Influenced subsequent generations of writers across various genres and national literatures
  • Challenged societal norms and literary conventions through their unflinching portrayals of reality

Émile Zola's contributions

  • Pioneered Naturalist movement with his 20-novel cycle Les Rougon-Macquart
  • Developed concept of the "experimental novel," applying scientific method to literary creation
  • Explored hereditary influences across generations in a single family
  • Tackled controversial subjects such as alcoholism, sexuality, and labor conditions
  • Influenced political discourse with works like J'Accuse, addressing social injustices

Theodore Dreiser in America

  • Introduced Naturalism to American literature with Sister Carrie and An American Tragedy
  • Explored themes of social mobility and the American Dream through a deterministic lens
  • Faced censorship for frank depictions of sexuality and moral ambiguity
  • Influenced subsequent generations of American realist writers
  • Critiqued capitalist society and its impact on individual aspirations and morality

European Naturalist writers

  • Guy de Maupassant crafted psychologically nuanced short stories exploring human nature
  • Henrik Ibsen revolutionized drama with realistic plays addressing social issues (A Doll's House)
  • Thomas Hardy incorporated Naturalist themes into his novels set in rural England (Tess of the d'Urbervilles)
  • Gerhart Hauptmann brought Naturalism to German theater, focusing on working-class struggles
  • August Strindberg explored psychological realism and determinism in Swedish literature and drama

Themes in Naturalist works

  • Reflect the movement's focus on scientific objectivity and social critique
  • Explore the complex interplay between individual agency and external forces
  • Challenge traditional moral frameworks and societal expectations
  • Examine the human condition through a lens of biological and social determinism

Social inequality

  • Exposes stark disparities between social classes and their impact on individual lives
  • Critiques systemic injustices perpetuating poverty and exploitation
  • Examines how social hierarchies limit opportunities for upward mobility
  • Portrays the psychological and physical toll of economic hardship on characters
  • Challenges prevailing notions of meritocracy and individual responsibility for success

Human vs nature

  • Depicts nature as an indifferent or hostile force shaping human existence
  • Explores human attempts to control or overcome natural forces, often futilely
  • Examines the psychological impact of harsh environments on characters
  • Contrasts human fragility with the power and permanence of natural world
  • Challenges Romantic idealization of nature as benevolent or spiritually uplifting

Survival of the fittest

  • Applies Darwinian concepts of natural selection to human society and relationships
  • Explores competition for limited resources and opportunities among characters
  • Examines how social and economic systems favor certain traits or backgrounds
  • Portrays characters' struggles to adapt to changing circumstances or environments
  • Challenges notions of inherent human goodness or altruism in face of adversity

Moral ambiguity

  • Presents complex ethical dilemmas without clear right or wrong answers
  • Explores how environmental and hereditary factors influence moral decision-making
  • Challenges traditional notions of good and evil, presenting morally gray characters
  • Examines societal hypocrisy and double standards in judging individual actions
  • Portrays characters grappling with conflicting desires and societal expectations

Naturalism in different genres

  • Adapted principles of scientific observation and determinism across various literary forms
  • Challenged genre conventions by introducing new themes and narrative techniques
  • Influenced development of modern literature by expanding boundaries of artistic expression

Novels and short stories

  • Novels provided expansive canvas for detailed social analysis and character studies
  • Short stories allowed for focused exploration of specific themes or moments in characters' lives
  • Incorporated journalistic techniques to create sense of authenticity and immediacy
  • Experimented with narrative structures to reflect chaotic or deterministic nature of life
  • Employed symbolic elements to reinforce themes of social and biological determinism

Drama and theater

  • Introduced realistic staging and dialogue to create immersive theatrical experiences
  • Explored taboo subjects and social issues previously avoided on stage
  • Challenged audience expectations with morally ambiguous characters and unresolved conflicts
  • Incorporated naturalistic acting techniques to enhance believability of performances
  • Influenced development of modern theater through innovations in staging and subject matter

Poetry and Naturalism

  • Adapted Naturalist principles to poetic form, challenging traditional notions of beauty
  • Explored gritty, urban themes and working-class experiences in verse
  • Experimented with free verse and colloquial language to reflect natural speech patterns
  • Incorporated scientific and technological imagery to reflect modern world
  • Influenced development of Imagism and other modernist poetic movements

Critical reception and impact

  • Sparked intense debates among literary critics, philosophers, and social commentators
  • Challenged prevailing artistic and moral standards, often facing censorship or controversy
  • Influenced development of various literary and artistic movements throughout 20th century

Contemporary reactions

  • Praised for unflinching portrayal of social realities and scientific approach to literature
  • Criticized for perceived pessimism, determinism, and focus on sordid aspects of life
  • Sparked debates about role of morality and aesthetics in literature
  • Faced censorship and legal challenges due to frank depictions of sexuality and social critique
  • Influenced social reform movements by exposing societal problems and injustices

Influence on modern literature

  • Shaped development of literary realism and social critique in 20th-century fiction
  • Influenced emergence of hard-boiled detective fiction and noir genres
  • Contributed to evolution of psychological realism in character development
  • Impacted journalistic approaches to non-fiction and documentary literature
  • Paved way for exploration of taboo subjects and frank discussions of sexuality in literature

Criticisms of Naturalism

  • Accused of oversimplifying human nature by reducing it to biological and social determinants
  • Criticized for excessive pessimism and lack of redemptive elements in narratives
  • Challenged for potential reinforcement of social Darwinist ideologies
  • Questioned for scientific accuracy and objectivity of its portrayals
  • Critiqued for potential exploitation of lower-class subjects for artistic purposes

Naturalism vs Realism

  • Both movements emerged as reactions against Romanticism and idealized portrayals of life
  • Share commitment to accurate representation of reality, but differ in approach and philosophy
  • Influenced each other and often overlap in literary works and critical discussions

Stylistic differences

  • Naturalism employs more scientific and detached narrative voice than Realism
  • Realism focuses on everyday life, while Naturalism often explores extreme situations
  • Naturalist works tend to be more explicit in depictions of violence, sexuality, and social ills
  • Realism allows for greater authorial interpretation, while Naturalism strives for objectivity
  • Naturalism incorporates more symbolic and deterministic elements in storytelling

Philosophical distinctions

  • Naturalism emphasizes biological and environmental determinism more strongly than Realism
  • Realism allows for greater individual agency and moral choice in character development
  • Naturalism tends towards pessimistic worldview, while Realism can be more neutral or hopeful
  • Realism focuses on social critique, while Naturalism extends to biological and evolutionary factors
  • Naturalism incorporates more explicit scientific theories and concepts into its philosophy

Overlap and similarities

  • Both movements prioritize accurate representation of social conditions and human behavior
  • Share focus on ordinary people and everyday life, rather than idealized or heroic figures
  • Employ detailed descriptions and observations to create sense of verisimilitude
  • Challenge societal norms and expose hypocrisy through their narratives
  • Influence each other, with many authors incorporating elements of both movements

Legacy of Naturalism

  • Continues to influence contemporary literature and other art forms
  • Shaped development of various literary and artistic movements throughout 20th and 21st centuries
  • Contributed to ongoing debates about determinism, free will, and social responsibility in art

Evolution of the movement

  • Adapted to changing social and scientific understandings throughout 20th century
  • Incorporated new psychological theories, moving beyond strict biological determinism
  • Expanded to explore urban environments and technological impacts on human behavior
  • Influenced development of social realism and proletarian literature movements
  • Contributed to emergence of existentialist and absurdist literature in mid-20th century

Neo-Naturalism

  • Revived Naturalist principles in late 20th and early 21st century literature
  • Incorporates contemporary scientific understanding, including genetics and neuroscience
  • Explores impact of globalization and technology on human behavior and society
  • Addresses modern social issues such as climate change, income inequality, and mass migration
  • Experiments with new narrative techniques while maintaining focus on deterministic forces

Influence on other art forms

  • Shaped development of realistic and socially conscious cinema (Italian Neorealism)
  • Influenced emergence of documentary photography and photojournalism
  • Impacted visual arts through movements like Social Realism and New Objectivity
  • Contributed to evolution of realistic acting techniques in theater and film
  • Inspired creation of immersive, detail-oriented video games exploring social issues

Key Terms to Review (18)

Anti-naturalism: Anti-naturalism is a literary and philosophical stance that opposes the principles of naturalism, emphasizing the complexities of human experience that cannot be fully explained by deterministic or scientific views. It advocates for the exploration of subjective realities, individual consciousness, and moral and ethical dimensions of human existence, often pushing against the limitations imposed by a strictly naturalistic perspective.
Darwinism: Darwinism refers to the theory of biological evolution developed by Charles Darwin, which posits that species evolve over time through natural selection, where traits that enhance survival and reproduction become more common in successive generations. This concept of evolution had a profound impact on various fields, including literature, leading to a focus on realism and the portrayal of human behavior as influenced by environmental factors and heredity.
Detailed description: A detailed description provides a comprehensive portrayal of characters, settings, and events, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the narrative. This term is vital in capturing the essence of realism and naturalism in literature, as both movements prioritize an accurate and vivid representation of life as it is, focusing on the intricacies of human experience and the environment. By employing detailed descriptions, authors evoke emotion and paint a picture that resonates with readers on multiple levels.
Determinism: Determinism is the philosophical concept that all events, including human actions, are determined by previously existing causes. This idea suggests that free will is an illusion, as individuals are shaped by environmental factors, heredity, and social conditions. In literature, particularly within naturalism, determinism serves as a lens through which characters and narratives reflect the struggle against their predetermined fates, often highlighting the impact of societal and biological influences.
émile zola: Émile Zola was a French novelist and playwright, best known for his role as a leading figure in the literary movement of Naturalism. His works vividly portrayed the lives of the working class and examined the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior, which aligns closely with the characteristics of Realism and its emergence as a reaction to Romanticism. Zola's writing focused on social issues, making him a significant contributor to French Realism and its naturalistic approach in literature.
Fatalistic Characters: Fatalistic characters are individuals in literature who exhibit a belief that their fate is predetermined and beyond their control. This mindset reflects the broader themes of determinism often seen in naturalism, where human behavior is influenced by environmental, social, and hereditary factors rather than free will. In works featuring fatalistic characters, the struggle against predetermined outcomes often highlights the limitations of human agency.
Germinal: The term 'germinal' refers to the initial stages or beginnings of something, often implying potential for growth or development. In literature, particularly within the context of Realism and Naturalism, it signifies the fundamental ideas or themes that emerge from social conditions and human experience. This concept serves as a foundation for understanding the nuanced exploration of societal issues and the human condition in these literary movements.
Le naturaliste: Le naturaliste refers to a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by its focus on realistic depictions of life and an emphasis on the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior. This movement sought to portray life as it truly was, often highlighting the darker aspects of existence, including poverty, violence, and social issues, while rejecting romanticism and idealism.
Naturalism: Naturalism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, focusing on a detailed, realistic portrayal of life, emphasizing the influence of environment, heredity, and social conditions on human behavior. It builds upon the principles of realism, but often presents a more deterministic view of life, suggesting that individuals are shaped by forces beyond their control.
Naturalism in Philosophy: Naturalism in philosophy is the belief that everything arises from natural properties and causes, and supernatural or spiritual explanations are excluded or discounted. This viewpoint emphasizes that human beings are part of the natural world and that our understanding of reality must be based on observable phenomena and scientific inquiry, which connects to the broader literary movement by focusing on realistic portrayals of life influenced by environment, heredity, and social conditions.
Objective Narration: Objective narration is a storytelling technique where the narrator presents events without entering the minds or emotions of the characters, maintaining a neutral and detached perspective. This style aligns with the principles of naturalism, emphasizing observation and realism over subjective interpretation, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions about characters and situations based solely on external actions and dialogue.
Realism vs. Naturalism: Realism and Naturalism are two closely related literary movements that emerged in the 19th century, with Realism focusing on depicting everyday life and society as it is, while Naturalism takes a more scientific approach, emphasizing the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior. Both movements aimed to present a truthful portrayal of life, but Naturalism often delves deeper into the deterministic forces that shape characters' fates, making it more pessimistic in tone compared to Realism.
Romanticism vs. Naturalism: Romanticism and Naturalism are two distinct literary movements that emerged in the 19th century, each with unique characteristics and philosophies. Romanticism emphasizes emotion, individualism, and the beauty of nature, often focusing on the idealized and the extraordinary aspects of human experience. In contrast, Naturalism is grounded in a more scientific and deterministic view of life, portraying characters and events as products of their environment and heredity, often highlighting the harsh realities of existence.
Socially marginalized figures: Socially marginalized figures refer to individuals or groups who exist on the fringes of society, often facing discrimination, exclusion, or lack of access to resources and opportunities. These figures are frequently depicted in literature as they embody the struggles against societal norms and highlight the impacts of poverty, class, race, and gender disparities within a naturalistic framework.
Stephen Crane: Stephen Crane was an American author and poet best known for his influential works that reflect the themes of Naturalism and Realism. His writing often portrays the struggles of individuals against the forces of nature and society, showcasing a stark view of human existence and the unpredictability of life. Crane's distinctive narrative style, especially in his novels and short stories, helped to shape the Naturalist literary movement by emphasizing how environment and heredity influence human behavior.
The influence of environment: The influence of environment refers to the idea that an individual's surroundings, including social, physical, and cultural factors, play a crucial role in shaping their behavior, experiences, and ultimately their fate. In literature, particularly within Naturalism, this concept highlights how environment affects human characters and their choices, often portraying individuals as products of their circumstances rather than as free agents.
The New Review: The New Review was a significant literary magazine that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for its role in promoting naturalism and modernist literature. It provided a platform for writers to explore themes of realism, the human condition, and social issues, aligning closely with the principles of naturalism, which focused on the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior.
The Red Badge of Courage: The Red Badge of Courage is a novel written by Stephen Crane that tells the story of a young soldier named Henry Fleming, who grapples with his fears and anxieties about battle during the American Civil War. This work is a prime example of Naturalism, reflecting how individual experiences are shaped by the forces of nature and society, emphasizing the randomness of fate and the struggle for survival.
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