A Guide to Literary Genres - Sykalo Eugen 2023
Naturalism
Definition: Literary style refers to the distinctive manner in which an author employs language, narrative techniques, and literary devices to express their ideas and create a unique textual experience. In the context of naturalism, literary style emphasizes the portrayal of human behavior and situations as determined by external forces such as heredity, environment, and socioeconomic factors. Naturalist authors seek to present a deterministic view of human life, often highlighting the impact of natural and social influences on characters' lives and choices.
Key Features of Naturalism:
1. Determinism: Naturalism places a strong emphasis on the idea of determinism, which suggests that human behavior and actions are primarily shaped by external forces beyond an individual's control. These forces include biological factors, social conditions, and environmental pressures.
2. Scientific Approach: Naturalism draws inspiration from scientific methods and principles. Authors strive to create a realistic and objective depiction of characters and situations, often conducting detailed observations and analysis.
3. Pessimism: Naturalist literature tends to lean toward pessimism, presenting a bleak view of human existence. Characters often face struggles and conflicts that are difficult to overcome due to the deterministic forces at play.
4. Social Critique: Naturalist works often critique social institutions and systems, exposing the adverse effects of poverty, class inequality, and other societal issues on characters' lives.
5. Detailed Descriptions: Naturalist authors provide meticulous descriptions of characters, settings, and events. This attention to detail contributes to the overall sense of realism and allows readers to closely observe the characters' interactions with their environment.
6. Animalistic Imagery: Naturalism sometimes employs animalistic imagery and metaphors to underscore the primitive and instinctual aspects of human behavior.
7. Focus on Lower Classes: Many naturalist works focus on characters from lower socioeconomic classes, exploring their struggles, challenges, and attempts to improve their circumstances.
Representatives of Naturalism:
1. Émile Zola (1840—1902): A French novelist and one of the pioneers of naturalism. His series of novels, "Les Rougon-Macquart," examines the effects of heredity and environment on various members of a family.
2. Stephen Crane (1871—1900): An American writer known for his naturalistic novel "The Red Badge of Courage," which explores the psychological and physical experiences of a young soldier during the American Civil War.
3. Frank Norris (1870—1902): An American novelist whose works often addressed social issues. "McTeague" is a naturalist novel that examines the descent of a man into brutality due to his environment and circumstances.
4. Jack London (1876—1916): An American author known for his stories of adventure and survival. His novel "The Call of the Wild" embodies naturalist themes by depicting a dog's struggle for survival in the harsh wilderness.
5. Theodore Dreiser (1871—1945): An American novelist whose works often dealt with characters striving for success in a materialistic society. "Sister Carrie" and "An American Tragedy" exemplify his naturalistic approach to storytelling.
6. Thomas Hardy (1840—1928): While often associated with realism, Hardy's later works, such as "Tess of the d'Urbervilles," showcase naturalistic elements, emphasizing the role of fate and environmental influences in characters' lives.
These representatives illustrate the central themes and techniques of naturalism, emphasizing the impact of external forces on characters' lives and the often grim portrayal of human existence within a deterministic framework.