Naturalism is a philosophical perspective that suggests that the natural world is all that exists and that everything can be explained through natural causes and laws. It rejects the idea of supernatural or spiritual explanations for phenomena and instead focuses on empirical evidence and scientific methods to understand the world.
In literature, naturalism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is characterized by a focus on the harsh realities of life, often depicting characters who are struggling against forces beyond their control, such as poverty, social inequality, and environmental factors. Naturalist writers often emphasize the influence of heredity and environment on human behavior and believe that individuals are shaped by their circumstances.
Overall, naturalism emphasizes the deterministic nature of the universe and the idea that human beings are subject to the same natural laws as everything else in the world. It seeks to portray life as it is, without romanticizing or idealizing it, and often explores themes of survival, struggle, and the limitations of human agency.
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Google Gemini AI
Sep 22
Naturalism
Naturalism is a philosophical and literary movement that originated in the 19th century and primarily focuses on the following concepts:
1. Materialism: - Naturalism believes that the universe and all phenomena within it, including humans, are composed solely of matter. - There is no supernatural or metaphysical realm beyond the physical world.
2. Determinism: - Naturalists believe that human behavior is determined by external factors such as heredity, environment, and natural laws. - Individuals have little to no free will and are products of their circumstances.
3. Objectivity: - Naturalism emphasizes objective observation and documentation of the human condition. - Writers and thinkers focus on presenting life as it is, without bias or subjective interpretation.
4. Scientific Method: - Naturalists seek to apply scientific methods to the study of human nature and society. - They observe, collect data, and formulate hypotheses to understand human behavior.
5. Emphasis on the Environment: - Naturalists recognize the significant role played by the physical and social environment in shaping human experience. - They explore how external factors influence individuals' actions, motivations, and outcomes.
Literary Naturalism:
In literature, naturalism emerged as a reaction against Romanticism and Transcendentalism. Naturalistic writers sought to portray life accurately and objectively, focusing on the harsh realities and struggles faced by ordinary people.
Characteristics of literary naturalism include:
- Unflinching portrayal of poverty, violence, and social injustice - Emphasis on heredity, environment, and deterministic forces - Limited or no character development - Use of colloquial language and regional speech patterns
Key Naturalistic Writers:
- Émile Zola - Thomas Hardy - Theodore Dreiser - Stephen Crane - Edith Wharton