Literary Naturalism

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.