📖English Literature – 1850 to 1950 Unit 2 – Realism & Naturalism in Literature

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Realism depicts life, people, and events in an accurate, objective manner without idealization or exaggeration
• Naturalism extends realism by emphasizing the role of heredity and environment in shaping characters and their fates
  • Suggests that social conditions, biology, and environment are more powerful than free will in determining outcomes
• Verisimilitude refers to the appearance of being true or real in literature
• Determinism is the belief that all events, including human actions, are ultimately determined by external causes
  • In naturalism, characters are often portrayed as products of their environment and heredity
• Objectivity involves presenting events and characters without authorial judgment or bias
• Social Darwinism applies Darwin's theory of natural selection to human societies and social advancement
• Regionalism focuses on the distinct characteristics, dialects, customs, and landscapes of a particular geographic area

Historical Context and Origins

• Realism and naturalism emerged in the mid-19th century as a response to romanticism and idealization in literature
• The movements were influenced by scientific advancements, such as Darwin's theory of evolution and Taine's theories on race, milieu, and moment
• Industrialization, urbanization, and social changes in Europe and America contributed to the rise of realism and naturalism
  • Rapid growth of cities and the emergence of new social classes provided new subject matter for writers
• The Civil War in the United States and the Franco-Prussian War in Europe influenced the development of realism
  • Writers sought to depict the harsh realities and consequences of war
• Journalism and the rise of newspapers contributed to the emphasis on factual, objective reporting in literature
• The influence of French naturalists, such as Émile Zola, helped shape the naturalist movement in other countries

Major Authors and Works

• Honoré de Balzac (France): "The Human Comedy" series, including "Père Goriot" and "Eugénie Grandet"
• Gustave Flaubert (France): "Madame Bovary" and "Sentimental Education"
  • Known for his meticulous attention to detail and objective narration
• Émile Zola (France): "Germinal," "Nana," and the "Rougon-Macquart" series
  • Considered the leading figure of French naturalism
• Leo Tolstoy (Russia): "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina"
• Fyodor Dostoevsky (Russia): "Crime and Punishment" and "The Brothers Karamazov"
• William Dean Howells (United States): "The Rise of Silas Lapham" and "A Modern Instance"
  • Considered the "Dean of American Realism"
• Mark Twain (United States): "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer"
• Stephen Crane (United States): "The Red Badge of Courage" and "Maggie: A Girl of the Streets"
  • Known for his naturalistic depictions of war and urban poverty

Literary Techniques and Characteristics

• Detailed, accurate descriptions of settings, characters, and events to create a sense of realism
• Use of vernacular language and regional dialects to capture the authentic speech of characters
• Objective, third-person narration that avoids authorial intrusion or judgment
  • Presents events and characters without explicit moral commentary
• Character development that emphasizes the influence of heredity, environment, and social conditions
  • Characters often struggle against their circumstances and face moral dilemmas
• Plot structures that focus on everyday events and conflicts rather than extraordinary or sensational occurrences
• Incorporation of contemporary social issues and problems, such as poverty, class inequality, and gender roles
• Use of symbolism and imagery to convey themes and ideas
  • Often more subtle and realistic compared to the symbolism in romanticism
• Attention to detail in describing the physical appearance of characters and their surroundings
  • Helps create a vivid and immersive reading experience

Themes and Social Commentary

• Realism and naturalism often explore the impact of social, economic, and political forces on individuals and society
• Class inequality and the struggles of the working class are prominent themes
  • Works depict the harsh realities of poverty, labor conditions, and social stratification
• Gender roles and the limitations placed on women in society are frequently examined
  • Female characters often face oppression, limited opportunities, and societal expectations
• The influence of heredity and environment on human behavior and destiny is a central theme in naturalism
  • Characters are often portrayed as products of their circumstances, with limited agency
• The consequences of industrialization and urbanization, such as alienation and the loss of traditional values
• Moral and ethical dilemmas faced by characters in a changing society
• The impact of war and violence on individuals and communities
  • Realistic depictions of the physical and psychological effects of war
• The role of religion and faith in a world increasingly influenced by science and secularism

Comparison with Other Literary Movements

• Realism and naturalism emerged as a reaction against the idealization and subjectivity of romanticism
  • Emphasized objective, accurate depictions of reality rather than imaginative or emotional elements
• Realism shares some similarities with the earlier movement of neoclassicism in its focus on reason and order
  • However, realism places greater emphasis on contemporary life and social issues
• Naturalism can be seen as an extension or intensification of realism
  • Places even greater emphasis on the role of heredity, environment, and determinism in shaping characters and events
• Realism and naturalism influenced the development of modernism in the early 20th century
  • Modernist writers built upon the foundations of realism while experimenting with new forms and techniques
• The social commentary and critique present in realism and naturalism are also found in later movements such as social realism and proletarian literature
  • These movements often focused on the experiences of the working class and marginalized groups

Impact on Literature and Culture

• Realism and naturalism had a significant impact on the development of the novel as a literary form
  • Established the novel as a serious medium for exploring social issues and human experiences
• The emphasis on accurate, detailed descriptions influenced the development of journalism and non-fiction writing
• Realist and naturalist works helped to raise awareness of social problems and inequalities
  • Contributed to the growth of social reform movements and political activism
• The objective, scientific approach to literature influenced the development of literary criticism and theory
  • Encouraged the analysis of texts based on their historical, social, and cultural contexts
• Realism and naturalism inspired the development of regional literature and local color writing
  • Writers sought to capture the unique characteristics and experiences of specific geographic areas
• The influence of realism and naturalism can be seen in various art forms, including painting, theater, and film
  • Encouraged the representation of everyday life and social realities

Critical Analysis and Interpretation

• Critics have debated the extent to which realism and naturalism truly capture objective reality
  • Some argue that the selection and arrangement of details inevitably involve authorial subjectivity
• The deterministic worldview of naturalism has been criticized for minimizing human agency and free will
  • Raises questions about the role of individual responsibility and moral choice
• Feminist critics have examined the portrayal of women in realist and naturalist works
  • Often highlight the limited roles and oppressive conditions faced by female characters
• Marxist critics have analyzed the representation of class relations and the critique of capitalism in these movements
  • Explore how literature reflects and challenges dominant economic and social structures
• Postcolonial critics have investigated the representation of colonialism and imperialism in realist and naturalist texts
  • Examine how these works perpetuate or subvert colonial ideologies and power dynamics
• The use of dialect and vernacular language has been studied for its authenticity and political implications
  • Raises questions about the representation of marginalized voices and the power dynamics of language
• Contemporary scholars continue to explore the relevance of realism and naturalism to current social and political issues
  • Analyze how these movements can inform our understanding of present-day realities and challenges