As a branch of Realism, Naturalism (also known as Materialism) exhibits all of the typical characteristics while still having different features as well. While Realism focuses on literary technique, Naturalism is more philosophical and places emphasis on the surroundings in the story and the way characters relate to their environment (Campbell). Naturalism writers also believed in studying the forces that govern human nature. A form of the scientific method was used by authors like Jack London, Stephen Crane, Edith Wharton, Frank Norris, and Upton Sinclair to write Naturalism novels and they studied different aspects of life with this method (Campbell).
Everything is Naturalism is explained by natural causes, and completely excludes anything to do with the supernatural or divinity. God or anything other higher power is not emphasized and the characters do not have an incredible sense of faith. However, without the involvement of God in these Naturalism works, there is no standard of conduct that is recognized by all members of society ("Naturalism") . Realism in general is basically a rejection of God, but Naturalism takes this even further into atheism.
Naturalism also tends to deal with unpleasant experiences, which also separates it from Realism. The characters in Naturalism often go through extremely tough times and resort to somewhat degrading behavior so that they can survive. These types of characters are from lower classes and are typically unsophisticated and uneducated; therefore do not have as many opportunities. These characters are also pretty unheroic, which is more realistic. Their lives are nothing spectacular, so they are part of Realism as well as Naturalism. Life is not portrayed as being simple, but complicated and hard to deal with (Reuben).
Being realistic was very important to the authors of both Realism and Naturalism, so there was a lot of focus on realistic qualities in works of both genres. Both of these literary periods were also dedicated to showing what American Life was really like at the time so that they could give an accurate description.
Campbell, Donna M. "Naturalism in American Literature. " Literary Movements. Dept. of English, Washington State University. Web. 11 Feb 2011.Everything is Naturalism is explained by natural causes, and completely excludes anything to do with the supernatural or divinity. God or anything other higher power is not emphasized and the characters do not have an incredible sense of faith. However, without the involvement of God in these Naturalism works, there is no standard of conduct that is recognized by all members of society ("Naturalism") . Realism in general is basically a rejection of God, but Naturalism takes this even further into atheism.
Naturalism also tends to deal with unpleasant experiences, which also separates it from Realism. The characters in Naturalism often go through extremely tough times and resort to somewhat degrading behavior so that they can survive. These types of characters are from lower classes and are typically unsophisticated and uneducated; therefore do not have as many opportunities. These characters are also pretty unheroic, which is more realistic. Their lives are nothing spectacular, so they are part of Realism as well as Naturalism. Life is not portrayed as being simple, but complicated and hard to deal with (Reuben).
Being realistic was very important to the authors of both Realism and Naturalism, so there was a lot of focus on realistic qualities in works of both genres. Both of these literary periods were also dedicated to showing what American Life was really like at the time so that they could give an accurate description.
http://www.wsu.edu/~campbelld/amlit/natural.htm
"Naturalism." Philosophy. Web. 11 Feb 2011.
http://www.allaboutphilosophy.org/naturalism.htm
Reuben, Paul P. "Chapter 6: American Naturalism- A Brief Introduction." PAL: Perspectives in American Literature- A Research and Reference Guide. Web. Feb 11 2011.
http://www.csustan.edu/english/reuben/pal/chap6/6intro.html
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