Naturalism is a literary movement characterized by its detailed realism and scientific outlook. It seeks to explore human existence through a scientific, objective perspective. Focusing on the inner lives of ordinary people and their struggles in an uncaring, hostile universe, Naturalism offers insight into the depths of human nature and experience. Authors of this movement often strive to depict humanity not as it is often idealized, but as it actually exists. In this article, we will discuss the definition of Naturalism, provide examples in literature, and overview some of the authors associated with this movement.
The definition of Naturalism is a philosophical approach to literature that emphasizes the importance of scientific understanding in examining human behavior. It is closely related to realism, but with a specific focus on the physical, social, and psychological forces that shape the actions of a particular character. In literature, Naturalism seeks to depict life realistically and objectively, without any romanticization or idealization. This often means depicting characters who are subject to the harsh realities of their environment and circumstances, and whose fates are determined largely by those external forces. In this way, Naturalism can be seen as an extension of realist thought, as it strives to portray the reality of life with a detailed and objective approach.
Naturalism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, emphasizing characters and situations that exist in the natural world. The tendency of authors to portray human life as being subject to forces over which individuals have no control was particularly popular in novels and other forms of literature. Naturalism is also often associated with gloomy descriptions of working class people living in harsh conditions.
One example of Naturalism in literature is Émile Zola’s novel Germinal, published in 1885. In this book, Zola tells the story of a young miner, Etienne Lantier, who becomes embroiled in a labor dispute at a coal mine in northern France. As the miners struggle to make ends meet in their harsh working conditions, they eventually resort to violence. Throughout the novel, Zola’s Naturalist style reveals a stark portrait of the lives of working-class people in late 19th century France.
Another notable example of Naturalistic literature is Stephen Crane’s novella The Red Badge of Courage, published in 1895. This Civil War-era story follows Henry Fleming, a Union soldier attempting to prove his courage in the face of battle. While the novel has been criticized for its heroic depiction of war, it is also recognized for its reflection of the Naturalistic tendency. It includes grim descriptions of the inhumanity of war and the fates of those fighting it, and suggests that its protagonist's "courage" is born of fear and the need to fit in.
These examples demonstrate how Naturalism in literature challenges the notions of heroism, free will, and human nature, painting a bleak picture of the human experience. Naturalists use descriptions of bleak landscapes and characters struggling to survive without control of their destiny to convey their pessimistic views of society. As such, Naturalism stands in stark contrast to more romantic or optimistic literary styles.
The literary movement of Naturalism began in the late 19th century, around the same time as Realism was becoming popular in the United States. Authors who subscribed to Naturalism focused on exploring the social and environmental forces that shape human behavior. These authors drew on scientific theories, such as Darwinian evolution and the theory of heredity, to explain why humans make the choices they do.
One of the most influential Naturalistic authors was Emile Zola, who wrote the novel “Germinal” in 1885. This novel follows a group of coal miners in northern France, and shows how the individual is affected by the political, social, and economic forces that shape their lives. Other Naturalistic authors include Stephen Crane, Frank Norris, Jack London, and Theodore Dreiser.
Naturalism in literature was short-lived, and by the 1920s had been largely replaced by Modernism and the Lost Generation. However, its influence can still be seen in the work of contemporary authors. Many modern authors continue to explore themes of poverty, injustice, and the human will to survive, echoing Naturalism’s focus on the human struggle for survival in a chaotic and unpredictable world.