English Literary Genres Questions Medium
Naturalism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily in Europe and the United States. It is characterized by a deterministic view of the world, where human beings are portrayed as products of their environment and biology, and their actions are driven by instinct and external forces beyond their control. Naturalist writers sought to depict life as it is, without idealizing or romanticizing it, often focusing on the darker aspects of human existence.
One example of naturalism in literature is Émile Zola's novel "Thérèse Raquin" (1867). The story follows the life of Thérèse, a young woman trapped in a loveless marriage, who becomes involved in an adulterous affair. Zola portrays the characters as victims of their own desires and circumstances, highlighting the deterministic nature of their actions and the inevitable tragic outcome.
Another example is Stephen Crane's novella "Maggie: A Girl of the Streets" (1893). The story revolves around Maggie, a young girl growing up in the slums of New York City. Crane presents a bleak and harsh portrayal of urban poverty, depicting Maggie's descent into prostitution and eventual tragic demise. The characters in the novella are portrayed as products of their environment, with little agency to escape their circumstances.
In both of these examples, naturalism is evident through the emphasis on the influence of external factors such as social conditions, heredity, and environment on the characters' lives. The authors aim to present a realistic and unflinching portrayal of human existence, devoid of idealism or moral judgment.