American Naturalism in literature is a movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by a deterministic view of human nature. It suggests that fate is determined by environmental, hereditary, and social factors, with minimal personal agency. Influential authors like Stephen Crane and Frank Norris depicted characters often trapped by their circumstances, leading to tragic outcomes. The movement reflects the impact of scientific theories on literature, portraying life with stark realism and a sense of pessimism.
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American Naturalism emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a literary movement
Deterministic View
American Naturalism is characterized by a deterministic view of human nature and society
Scientific Influence
The movement was influenced by scientific discoveries, such as Charles Darwin's theory of evolution and social Darwinism
Stark and Pessimistic Depiction
Naturalist literature often portrays life in a stark and pessimistic manner
American Naturalism evolved from literary realism, which aimed to depict life as it was without embellishments
The defining feature of American Naturalism is its focus on determinism, suggesting that an individual's fate is largely determined by external forces
Naturalist literature is committed to detailed and realistic portrayals of life
The genre often explores themes of pessimism about human prospects
French novelist and critic Emile Zola was a major influence on the naturalist movement with his advocacy for the application of scientific methods to literature
Stephen Crane
Authors such as Stephen Crane, known for works like "Maggie: A Girl of the Streets" and "The Red Badge of Courage," exemplify the style and themes of American Naturalism
Frank Norris
Frank Norris's novels, including "The Octopus" and "The Pit," reflect his preoccupation with the forces of capitalism and their effects on individuals
Jack London
Jack London's exploration of survival and instinct in works like "The Call of the Wild" and "White Fang" also contributed to the genre
American Naturalism often features protagonists from the lower echelons of society, illustrating the impact of external forces on their lives
The genre explores themes of survival, violence, and determinism in both urban and rural settings
A recurrent theme in naturalist literature is the tension between primitive impulses and social order, examining the balance between nature and civilization
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Writers like Stephen Crane, Frank Norris, and ______ Dreiser are known for their naturalistic works that show individuals as victims of inevitable, often dire, destinies.
Theodore
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Goal of literary realism
Depict life realistically without Romantic embellishments or past idealization.
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Realism's reaction to Romanticism
Focused on everyday life of ordinary people, countering Romantic emotion and individualism.
