Transcript Document

A man said to the universe:
“Sir I exist!”
“However,” replied the
universe,
“The fact has not created in
me
A sense of obligation.”
—Stephen Crane 1899
What exactly is naturalism?
Naturalism is a type of literature that
attempts to apply scientific principles of
objectivity and detachment to its study of
human beings.
 Humans respond to the natural world much
like animals
 Humans are portrayed as victims of destiny
or fate

Major Characteristics
•
Characters can be studied through their relationships to their surroundings.
•
The forces that govern human lives & actions could be studied and
understood—no longer some mystery.
•
Humans were governed by their own instincts & passions, as well as the forces
of heredity & environment (Huck Finn acts that way b/c he was born that way,
etc.)
•
Often a very pessimistic view on life—if actions are already determined, why
fight to change them?
•
Characters in naturalistic books are ruled by the forces of heredity, instinct,
and passion—NOT free will or choice!
•
Free will often appears as an illusion—you may think that you are acting on
your own accord, but ha, ha, you are really just REACTING to outside/inside
factors!
Naturalism in Literature?
Character driven stories focused primarily on
class differences
 Stories are a reflection of a particular region
and its culture.
 Plot- stories of darkness, violence, despair,
and discrimination.
 Story often takes place in an urban setting.
 Techniques- irony as a means for teaching
people valuable lessons

What are the major themes of
Naturalism?




Survival

Determinism

Nature as an indifferent 
force acting in human 
lives
Man vs. nature or man vs.
himself
Violence
Taboo
Passion
Forces of heredity and
environment as they
affect the individual