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Naturalism: Unveiling the Inherent Complexity of the Human Experience

Cody Russell

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Published in Naturalism Wendy Xu

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Naturalism, a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, sought to portray life as it truly was, without romanticizing or idealizing it. Naturalists believed that human beings were products of their environment and that their actions were largely determined by factors beyond their control. This perspective led to a focus on the harsh realities of life, including poverty, violence, and social inequality.

Naturalism is characterized by several key principles:

Objectivity: Naturalists sought to present life as they observed it, without imposing their own values or judgments. They believed that it was important to document the world as it was, even if it was unpleasant or disturbing.
Determinism: Naturalists believed that human beings were shaped by their environment and that their actions were ultimately determined by factors beyond their control. This included their genetics, upbringing, and social circumstances.
Pessimism: Naturalists often had a pessimistic view of human nature. They believed that human beings were flawed and that life was often unfair and difficult. This pessimism was reflected in the bleak and often depressing settings of their works.

Some of the most notable naturalistic writers include:

Naturalism

by Wendy Xu

5 out of 5

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Émile Zola: Zola was a French novelist who is considered one of the founders of naturalism. His works, such as "Thérèse Raquin" and "Germinal," vividly depict the harsh realities of life in the working class.
Stephen Crane: Crane was an American novelist and journalist who is known for his novel "The Red Badge of Courage," which realistically portrays the horrors of war.
Theodore Dreiser: Dreiser was an American novelist who wrote about the lives of ordinary people in the early 20th century. His works, such as "Sister Carrie" and "An American Tragedy," explore themes of poverty, crime, and social injustice.

Naturalism had a profound impact on literature and society. It challenged the traditional Victorian view of life as being ordered and meaningful, and it forced readers to confront the harsh realities of the human experience. Naturalism also influenced the development of other literary movements, such as realism and modernism.

While naturalism as a literary movement peaked in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, its influence can still be seen in contemporary literature. Many contemporary writers continue to explore the principles of naturalism in their works, focusing on the harsh realities of life and the complexities of human nature.

Naturalism is a powerful and influential literary movement that has had a lasting impact on the way we think about human nature and the human experience. Its emphasis on objectivity, determinism, and pessimism may be uncomfortable at times, but it ultimately provides us with a more honest and realistic understanding of the world around us.

The Norton Anthology of American Literature: https://www.wwnorton.com/college/english/naal/naal6/
The Cambridge Companion to Naturalism: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/cambridge-companion-to-naturalism/03E7D27D09DD4E3C65639C8F62D820B1
The Naturalism Movement: https://www.litcharts.com/lit/naturalism

Naturalism

by Wendy Xu

5 out of 5