Naturalism in Literature | Characteristics and Authors

Naturalism in literature emerged in the late nineteenth century as an offshoot of literary realism. It focuses on presenting a starkly objective portrayal of everyday life and human behavior. It often delves into the darker and more challenging aspects of existence.

Naturalist literature depicts characters and their relationships in a harsh and often unforgiving environment. It uses a scientific and impartial lens. Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution greatly influenced writers of this genre. Keep reading till the end to explore this world of naturalism!

Table of Contents

Father of Naturalism

Émile Zola is widely recognized as the father of naturalism in literature. He played a key role in shaping, advocating for, and popularizing Naturalism. Zola wrote notable works and critical essays which formulated the principles of Naturalism. They greatly impacted his era’s literary landscape and still influenced contemporary literary thought.

Key Characteristics of Naturalism in Literature

The prominent characteristics of naturalism in literature are listed below:

Determinism: This key theme portrays characters as deeply shaped by their environment, genetics, and social circumstances. These outside factors greatly influence their actions and destinies. They highlight the limited power individuals have.
Pessimism: Naturalist works often exhibit a pessimistic outlook. It presents a world where characters are often trapped in hardship. This perspective arises from the movement’s focus on portraying life’s harsh realities.
Objectivity: Naturalist writers aim to present characters and events in a scientifically objective manner. They refrain from making moral judgments. This lets readers form their own conclusions about the characters and their actions.
Detailed Observation: Naturalist authors pay close attention to detail. They often provide extensive descriptions of settings, characters, and situations. This attention to detail enhances the sense of realism and immersion in the narrative.
Social Determinism: Social Determinism is a theme in naturalist literature. It’s about the impact of social factors on people’s lives. These factors include poverty, class, and societal norms. Characters are shown grappling with these forces. Sometimes, they succeed and other times, they face difficulties.
Survival and Instinct: The natural world and its impact on human instincts and behaviors are often explored. These stories delve into characters’ primal survival mechanisms and innate instincts.

Prominent Naturalist Authors and Works

We have listed some of the eminent authors and their works on naturalism in literature.

1. Émile Zola: Émile Zola is often recognized as a pioneer of naturalism. His works, such as Germinal and Thérèse Raquin, delve into the lives of ordinary individuals. It explores their struggles and the external factors that shape their destinies.

2. Stephen Crane: One notable writer is Stephen Crane, recognized for his novel The Red Badge of Courage. This work delves into the challenges faced by soldiers during the Civil War. Also, it sheds light on both their psychological and physical struggles. The themes portrayed in Crane’s writing align with the naturalist movement.

3. Jack London: Jack London is a notable author who often explores the struggle between humans and the unforgiving forces of nature. In his famous works like To Build a Fire, he shows the importance of instincts and survival in tough circumstances.

4. Frank Norris: In his novel McTeague, he explores the moral fall of a dentist due to the environment and circumstances.

The literary movement of naturalism played a significant role in shaping modern literature. It greatly influenced future writers. It led to a deeper exploration of the bond between nature and society.