Literary Naturalism
Concept Map
Literary Naturalism is a 19th-century genre influenced by scientific theories, emphasizing determinism and the impact of environment and heredity on human lives. It contrasts Romanticism's idealism, focusing on realism and the harsher aspects of life. Authors like Emile Zola, Frank Norris, and Theodore Dreiser are pivotal in its development, with works that delve into the struggle for survival and the darker sides of society.
Summary
Outline
The Emergence and Principles of Literary Naturalism
Literary Naturalism is a genre that emerged in the late 19th century, primarily influenced by the scientific advancements and theories of the time. It sought to apply the objectivity of scientific observation to the portrayal of everyday life. Naturalist writers, such as Emile Zola, who is often credited as the father of Naturalism, believed that a person's fate was determined by heredity, environment, and social conditions. This movement was a reaction against the idealism of Romanticism, and it strove to depict life with a greater sense of realism, often focusing on the harsher aspects of existence in a deterministic manner.The Influence of Charles Darwin on Naturalism
Charles Darwin's evolutionary theory, particularly the concept of natural selection as outlined in "On the Origin of Species" (1859), significantly influenced Naturalist writers. They adopted Darwin's view that human behavior was shaped by the forces of heredity and the environment, leading to a deterministic approach in literature. This perspective suggested that individuals had limited control over their destinies, as their lives were largely predetermined by biological and sociological factors.Varieties of Naturalism in Literature
Literary Naturalism can be divided into two main branches: Hard Naturalism and Soft Naturalism. Hard Naturalism is characterized by a strict adherence to determinism, suggesting that all phenomena can be explained by natural causes without recourse to supernatural or spiritual explanations. Soft Naturalism, on the other hand, allows for a more nuanced view that includes ethical, aesthetic, and subjective considerations, while still respecting the importance of scientific understanding. American Naturalism, a variant influenced by authors such as Frank Norris, Stephen Crane, and later William Faulkner, often focused on the influence of social conditions and heredity on individuals, while also exploring the American experience.Defining Characteristics of Naturalist Literature
Naturalist literature is marked by several defining characteristics. It often features settings that play a crucial role in shaping characters' lives, as seen in John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath." The narrative voice in Naturalist works is typically objective and detached, presenting events and characters' emotions from an impersonal viewpoint. A sense of pessimism pervades many Naturalist texts, with characters portrayed as victims of forces beyond their control. Determinism is a central theme, with societal pressures and heredity seen as the primary forces dictating the course of an individual's life, as exemplified in works like Theodore Dreiser's "Sister Carrie."Notable Naturalist Authors and Their Contributions
The Naturalist movement included a number of significant authors who shaped its development. Emile Zola, Frank Norris, and Theodore Dreiser were key figures in the early stages of the movement. American authors such as Stephen Crane and William Faulkner expanded upon Naturalist themes, exploring the impact of social and environmental factors on individual lives. Their works, along with those of Upton Sinclair, Edith Wharton, and others, often addressed the struggle for survival in an indifferent universe and examined the darker aspects of human nature and society.Naturalism in the Literary Canon
Naturalism has made a profound impact on the literary canon, with its influence seen in a wide range of literary works. Novels such as Emile Zola's "Nana," Theodore Dreiser's "Sister Carrie," and Jack London's "The Call of the Wild" are emblematic of the genre's focus on determinism and the often brutal struggle for survival. These works, along with John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" and Gustave Flaubert's "Madame Bovary," continue to be studied for their realistic portrayal of life and their exploration of the complex interplay between individuals and the societal and environmental forces that shape their destinies.
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Definition and Origins
Emergence in the late 19th century
Literary Naturalism is a genre that emerged in the late 19th century, primarily influenced by the scientific advancements and theories of the time
Influences and beliefs
Influence of scientific observation
Naturalist writers sought to apply the objectivity of scientific observation to the portrayal of everyday life
Belief in determinism
Naturalist writers believed that a person's fate was determined by heredity, environment, and social conditions
Reaction against Romanticism
Literary Naturalism was a reaction against the idealism of Romanticism, striving for a greater sense of realism in its depiction of life
Influences and Themes
Influence of Charles Darwin's evolutionary theory
Naturalist writers adopted Darwin's view that human behavior was shaped by the forces of heredity and the environment
Divisions within Naturalism
Hard Naturalism
Hard Naturalism strictly adheres to determinism and rejects supernatural or spiritual explanations
Soft Naturalism
Soft Naturalism allows for a more nuanced view that includes ethical, aesthetic, and subjective considerations
American Naturalism
American Naturalism, influenced by authors such as Frank Norris and William Faulkner, often focused on the influence of social conditions and heredity on individuals
Characteristics of Naturalist Literature
Importance of setting
Naturalist literature often features settings that play a crucial role in shaping characters' lives
Objective and detached narrative voice
The narrative voice in Naturalist works is typically objective and detached, presenting events and characters' emotions from an impersonal viewpoint
Pessimism and determinism
A sense of pessimism pervades many Naturalist texts, with characters portrayed as victims of forces beyond their control
Key authors and their works
Emile Zola, Frank Norris, Theodore Dreiser, and others were key figures in the Naturalist movement, with works such as "Nana," "Sister Carrie," and "The Call of the Wild" exemplifying its themes
Literary Naturalism
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00
______ is recognized as the genre's pioneer, often associated with the ______ movement that emerged in the late 19th century.
Emile Zola
Literary Naturalism
01
The ______ movement, which contrasts with ______, emphasizes the influence of ______, ______, and ______ on human destiny.
Literary Naturalism
Romanticism
heredity
environment
social conditions
02
Darwin's key concept in 'On the Origin of Species'
Natural selection - organisms better adapted to environment survive and reproduce more successfully.
