In the late 19th century, a group of writers pioneered an approach to literature that would examine every pore of human life, the beautiful and the brutal alike. Eventually, this approach became known as naturalism, an unflinching mirror held up to society, reflecting life in its most unvarnished form. But what exactly makes naturalism stand out among the many literary movements?
What is Naturalism in Literature?
First, let’s define naturalism in literature
At its core, naturalism is a literary movement born out of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emerging as a grittier extension of realism. It's predicated on the belief that literature should explore life with scientific accuracy. Let's look at the definition of naturalism and its distinctions.
NATURALISM DEFINITION IN LITERATURE
What is naturalism in literature?
Naturalism is a literary movement that seeks to portray life in an unfiltered, objective manner. It is rooted in the idea that humans are merely animals subject to natural laws and forces beyond their control. Naturalist literature delves into darker aspects of society such as poverty, violence, and social inequality.
Unlike romanticism and realism, which often romanticize or idealize life, naturalism seeks to depict it realistically and without bias. Naturalist writers employ a detached and scientific approach to their writing, presenting characters as products of their environment and instincts rather than free-willed individuals.
Themes in Naturalism Literature:
- Social Issues
- The Power of Nature
- Human Instincts and Desires
Understanding Naturalism Literature
Characteristics of Naturalism in Literature
By applying the principles of heredity and environment, naturalism seeks to offer an unembellished look at the human condition, often focusing on the darker, more animalistic aspects of life.
Zola, France, Realism, and Naturalism • Crash Course
Stories told by naturalists range greatly from tales of poverty and survival to the impact of industrialization on human relationships. However, some common characteristics can be found in most naturalistic works.
Determinism
One of the hallmark characteristics of naturalism is determinism. Characters are often prisoners of their surroundings, their genetic makeup, and social conditions.
Rather than heroic tales of a protagonist character overcoming, many naturalist stories highlight how these forces inexorably shape individuals' fates. This bleak outlook often leads to tragic endings, as characters are unable to break free from their predetermined destinies.
Detail in the Mundane
Naturalism is relentless in its depiction of the mundane and often sordid aspects of life. There's no sugarcoating here; everything from the grim realities of poverty to the rawness of human desire is laid bare, portrayed through meticulous detail that serves almost as a documentary of daily life. Why? Because naturalism is all about capturing the truth, no matter how uncomfortable or ordinary it may be.
Detailed, Documentary-Like Approach
A distinctive narrative technique of naturalist writers is their detailed, documentary-like approach to storytelling. This method involves an almost clinical level of detail, capturing the nuance and complexity of everyday existence with precision.
Naturalist narratives often unfold slowly, with the writer acting as a dispassionate observer who records events without moralizing or sentimentality. This approach allows readers to see characters and settings in a light that is brutally honest, yet deeply empathetic.
What Makes Naturalist Literature Distinct?
Themes Explored in Naturalism
At the heart of naturalism is a deep exploration of the human condition - our struggles, our environments, and the societal cages we find ourselves in.
Themes of survival in the face of overwhelming odds, the impact of inheritance and environment on our lives, and the raw, sometimes violent confrontations with nature itself are frequent subjects.
Social Issues
Naturalism doesn’t shy away from the dark corners of society. It probes into issues like poverty, racism, and the vast chasms of inequality, laying bare the societal undercurrents that shape lives and destinies. These texts often serve as a scathing criticism of the status quo, highlighting the harsh realities that lie beneath society's facade.
The Power of Nature
In naturalism, nature is not just a backdrop or setting; it can be an antagonist, a force to be reckoned with. Many works explore humanity's primal connection to the natural world and how we are at its mercy.
This can manifest in themes of survival, the destructive power of natural disasters, or a reflection on our place in an ever-changing ecosystem.
Human Instincts and Desires
A central theme within naturalism is its intense exploration of human instincts and desires, particularly highlighting how characters react when placed in extreme situations. This exploration digs deep into the primal aspects of humanity, such as the instinct for survival, the pursuit of basic needs, and the raw desires that drive human behavior.
Naturalist narratives often thrust characters into challenging, sometimes life-threatening circumstances, stripping away the veneers of civilization to unveil the core of human nature.
Through these depictions, naturalism questions the extent to which human beings are in control of their destinies versus being driven by innate animalistic impulses. In doing so, it provides a compelling, often stark, reflection on the essence of what it means to be human.
Related Posts
Examples of Naturalism in Literature
Naturalist Writers and Examples
Naturalists' impact on the literary landscape is profound, with many iconic writers at the forefront of this movement. The influence of these writers can be seen in contemporary fiction, with many modern authors still drawing inspiration from the naturalist tradition.
Émile Zola
Considered the father of naturalism, Zola's works, such as Germinal, plunge readers into the coal mines of 19th century France, revealing the desperation and decay that define the miners' existence.
Stephen Crane
Crane's Maggie: A Girl of the Streets offers a stark look at slum life and the near-impossibility of escape, painting a vivid picture of how environment molds human behavior.
Theodore Dreiser
In Sister Carrie, Dreiser explores the American Dream turned nightmare, following a young woman's rise and fall in the urban jungle of Chicago and New York, highlighting the capricious nature of fate and fortune.
Naturalism, with its bold exploration of the somber realities of human life, remains profoundly relevant. In an age where literature continues to evolve, the themes and perspectives offered by naturalist writers still resonate, offering us not just a window into the past but a mirror reflecting our own times.
Reading into naturalist literature is not merely an academic exercise; it's a journey into the depths of the human psyche and the social constructs that shape our existence.
Up Next
Naturalism vs Realism in the Arts
For those intrigued by how naturalism aligns or contrasts with realism, especially in the broader spectrum of art and literature, the examination continues with a fascinating analysis in our next article.
Up Next: Naturalism vs Realism in the Arts →
Showcase your vision with elegant shot lists and storyboards.
Create robust and customizable shot lists. Upload images to make storyboards and slideshows.
