2.5 Realist and Naturalist fiction

Realist and Naturalist fiction emerged in the mid-19th century as a response to Romantic idealism. These movements aimed to depict life as it truly was, focusing on ordinary people and everyday experiences. Authors sought to create a sense of reality through detailed descriptions and complex characters.

Realism emphasized objective narration and social themes, while Naturalism took a more deterministic approach. Both movements explored the human condition, often critiquing society and examining the impact of environment on individuals. Their influence continues to shape modern literature and our understanding of the world.

Characteristics of realist fiction

• Realist fiction emerged in the mid-19th century as a response to the idealism and sentimentality of romantic literature
• It sought to depict the world as it was, without embellishment or idealization, and to explore the complexities of human nature and society
• Realist authors aimed to create a sense of verisimilitude, or the appearance of reality, in their works through detailed descriptions and psychologically complex characters

Emphasis on ordinary people

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• Realist fiction often focused on the lives of ordinary people, rather than the aristocracy or exceptional individuals
• Characters were typically drawn from the middle and working classes, such as farmers, shopkeepers, and factory workers
• This emphasis on everyday life allowed realist authors to explore social issues and the human condition in a more relatable and accessible way

Focus on everyday experiences

• Realist works often depicted the mundane aspects of daily life, such as work, family relationships, and social interactions
• Authors sought to capture the texture of everyday experience through detailed descriptions of settings, objects, and routines
• This focus on the commonplace helped to create a sense of authenticity and immediacy in realist fiction

Rejection of romantic idealism

• Realist authors rejected the idealism and sentimentality of romantic literature, which often portrayed life in an idealized or exaggerated manner
• Instead, they sought to present a more accurate and unvarnished view of reality, including the flaws and imperfections of human nature and society
• This rejection of romantic conventions allowed realist fiction to explore more complex and nuanced themes, such as moral ambiguity and social injustice

Detailed, objective narration

• Realist fiction often employed a third-person narrative voice that aimed to be objective and impartial
• Authors sought to present a detailed and accurate portrayal of events and characters, without overt authorial intervention or judgment
• This objective narration allowed readers to draw their own conclusions about the characters and themes, rather than being guided by the author's perspective

Social and psychological themes

• Realist fiction often explored social and psychological themes, such as class inequality, gender roles, and the inner lives of characters
• Authors sought to examine the complex motivations and desires that drive human behavior, as well as the social and economic forces that shape individual lives
• This emphasis on social and psychological realism allowed authors to critique and comment on the world around them, and to explore the human condition in all its complexity

Major realist authors

• Realist fiction was pioneered by a number of influential authors in the mid-19th century, who sought to capture the complexities of modern life and society in their works
• These authors came from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, but were united by their commitment to depicting the world as it was, without idealization or sentimentality
• The major realist authors helped to establish the conventions and techniques of the genre, and their works continue to be widely read and studied today

Honoré de Balzac

• French novelist and playwright (1799-1850)
• Known for his sprawling series of novels and short stories collectively titled "La Comédie humaine" (The Human Comedy), which aimed to depict all aspects of French society
• Major works include "Le Père Goriot" (Father Goriot) and "Eugénie Grandet"

Gustave Flaubert

• French novelist (1821-1880)
• Known for his meticulous attention to detail and his commitment to artistic integrity
• Major works include "Madame Bovary," a landmark of realist fiction that depicts the tragic life of a provincial housewife, and "Sentimental Education"

Leo Tolstoy

• Russian novelist and philosopher (1828-1910)
• Known for his epic novels "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina," which offer sweeping portraits of Russian society and the human condition
• Also wrote short stories, such as "The Death of Ivan Ilyich," that explore themes of mortality and spiritual awakening

George Eliot

• English novelist and poet (1819-1880)
• Known for her psychologically complex characters and her nuanced depictions of rural life and social change
• Major works include "Middlemarch," often considered one of the greatest novels in the English language, and "Silas Marner"

William Dean Howells

• American novelist, critic, and editor (1837-1920)
• Known as the "Dean of American Letters" for his influential role in shaping the course of American literature in the late 19th century
• Major works include "The Rise of Silas Lapham," which depicts the social and economic changes of the Gilded Age, and "A Modern Instance"

Characteristics of naturalist fiction

• Naturalist fiction emerged in the late 19th century as an extension and intensification of realist principles
• It sought to apply scientific principles to the study of human behavior and society, and to explore the deterministic forces that shape individual lives
• Naturalist authors often depicted the darker aspects of life, such as poverty, violence, and moral degradation, in a frank and unsparing manner

Determinism and environmental influences

• Naturalist fiction often emphasized the role of deterministic forces, such as heredity and environment, in shaping human behavior and destiny
• Characters were seen as products of their social and biological circumstances, rather than as autonomous agents with free will
• This deterministic worldview allowed naturalist authors to explore the ways in which individuals are shaped and constrained by forces beyond their control

Scientific observation and detachment

• Naturalist authors often employed a scientific, detached perspective in their works, seeking to observe and analyze human behavior and society in an objective and impartial manner
• They drew on the methods and theories of contemporary science, such as Darwinism and sociology, to inform their depictions of human nature and social dynamics
• This scientific approach allowed naturalist fiction to offer a more clinical and analytical view of the world, in contrast to the more subjective and emotionally engaged perspective of realist fiction

Exploration of taboo subjects

• Naturalist fiction often explored taboo or controversial subjects, such as sexuality, violence, and moral degradation, in a frank and explicit manner
• Authors sought to depict the darker aspects of human nature and society, without flinching or moralizing
• This willingness to engage with difficult and uncomfortable topics allowed naturalist fiction to push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in literature, and to offer a more unflinching view of reality

Gritty, unidealized portrayal of life

• Naturalist fiction often depicted life in a gritty and unidealized manner, focusing on the struggles and hardships of the lower classes and marginalized groups
• Authors sought to capture the harsh realities of poverty, disease, and social injustice, without romanticizing or sanitizing their subject matter
• This unsparing portrayal of life allowed naturalist fiction to offer a more authentic and politically engaged view of the world, and to critique the social and economic inequalities of the time

Emphasis on lower classes and social issues

• Naturalist fiction often focused on the lives and experiences of the lower classes and marginalized groups, such as factory workers, immigrants, and the urban poor
• Authors sought to depict the social and economic forces that shaped these groups' lives, and to explore the ways in which they were exploited and oppressed by the dominant classes
• This emphasis on social issues and class conflict allowed naturalist fiction to offer a more politically engaged and socially conscious view of the world, and to advocate for social reform and change

Major naturalist authors

• Naturalist fiction was pioneered by a number of influential authors in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, who sought to apply scientific principles to the study of human behavior and society
• These authors came from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, but were united by their commitment to depicting the darker aspects of life in a frank and unsparing manner
• The major naturalist authors helped to establish the conventions and techniques of the genre, and their works continue to be widely read and studied today

Émile Zola

• French novelist and journalist (1840-1902)
• Known for his series of 20 novels collectively titled "Les Rougon-Macquart," which aimed to depict the influence of heredity and environment on a family across several generations
• Major works include "Germinal," which depicts a coal miners' strike, and "Nana," which explores the world of Parisian prostitution

Theodore Dreiser

• American novelist and journalist (1871-1945)
• Known for his frank and unsparing depictions of American life and society, particularly the struggles of the working class and the corrupting influence of wealth and power
• Major works include "Sister Carrie," which depicts a young woman's rise from poverty to fame, and "An American Tragedy," based on a real-life murder case

Stephen Crane

• American novelist, poet, and journalist (1871-1900)
• Known for his vivid and impressionistic style, and his depictions of the psychological and physical realities of war and urban life
• Major works include "The Red Badge of Courage," a novel about the American Civil War, and "Maggie: A Girl of the Streets," a gritty portrayal of life in the New York slums

Frank Norris

• American novelist and journalist (1870-1902)
• Known for his epic novels about the California wheat industry and the railroads, which explore themes of greed, corruption, and social Darwinism
• Major works include "The Octopus," about the conflict between wheat farmers and the railroad monopoly, and "McTeague," a tale of moral degeneration in turn-of-the-century San Francisco

Jack London

• American novelist, journalist, and social activist (1876-1916)
• Known for his adventure stories and his depictions of the struggle for survival in extreme environments, as well as his socialist political views
• Major works include "The Call of the Wild," about a domesticated dog's return to the wild, and "The Iron Heel," a dystopian novel about the rise of oligarchic tyranny in the United States

Realism vs naturalism

• While realism and naturalism share many similarities, such as their commitment to depicting the world as it is and their rejection of romantic idealism, there are also some key differences between the two literary movements
• These differences reflect the distinct philosophical and artistic priorities of realist and naturalist authors, as well as the historical and cultural contexts in which they were writing
• Understanding the similarities and differences between realism and naturalism can help to illuminate the key themes and techniques of each movement, and their lasting influence on modern literature

Similarities in objective narration

• Both realist and naturalist fiction often employ an objective, third-person narrative voice that seeks to present events and characters in an impartial and detached manner
• This objective narration allows readers to draw their own conclusions about the themes and meanings of the work, rather than being guided by the author's explicit commentary or judgment
• The use of objective narration reflects the shared commitment of realist and naturalist authors to depicting the world as it is, without idealization or sentimentality

Differences in philosophical underpinnings

• While realist fiction is grounded in a belief in the fundamental knowability and stability of the world, naturalist fiction is informed by a more deterministic and pessimistic view of human nature and society
• Naturalist authors often draw on scientific theories such as Darwinism and Marxism to argue that human behavior is shaped by hereditary and environmental forces beyond individual control
• This philosophical difference is reflected in the distinct themes and techniques of realist and naturalist fiction, with naturalism often depicting a bleaker and more fatalistic view of the world

Naturalism's greater emphasis on determinism

• Naturalist fiction often places a greater emphasis on the role of deterministic forces, such as biology and environment, in shaping human behavior and destiny
• Characters in naturalist works are often seen as products of their social and biological circumstances, with little agency or free will to shape their own lives
• This deterministic worldview is reflected in the often bleak and pessimistic tone of naturalist fiction, which depicts characters as trapped by forces beyond their control

Realism's focus on middle and upper classes

• While naturalist fiction often focuses on the lives and struggles of the lower classes and marginalized groups, realist fiction tends to depict the middle and upper classes of society
• Realist authors often explore the social and psychological complexities of bourgeois life, such as marriage, family, and career, rather than the more extreme and sordid aspects of human existence
• This focus on the middle and upper classes reflects the historical and cultural context of realist fiction, which emerged in a time of growing prosperity and social mobility in Europe and America

Naturalism's exploration of darker themes

• Naturalist fiction often explores darker and more taboo themes than realist fiction, such as poverty, crime, sexuality, and moral degradation
• Naturalist authors seek to depict the harsh realities of life in a frank and unsparing manner, without flinching from the uglier aspects of human nature and society
• This willingness to engage with difficult and controversial subjects reflects the philosophical and artistic priorities of naturalist fiction, which seeks to offer a more unflinching and politically engaged view of the world

Historical context

• Realist and naturalist fiction emerged in the mid-to-late 19th century, a time of rapid social, economic, and technological change in Europe and America
• These changes, such as industrialization, urbanization, and the rise of scientific thought, had a profound impact on the way people lived and thought about the world
• Understanding the historical context of realist and naturalist fiction can help to illuminate the key themes and concerns of these literary movements, and their lasting influence on modern literature

Impact of industrialization and urbanization

• The 19th century saw a rapid expansion of industry and cities, as new technologies and modes of production transformed the economy and society
• This industrialization and urbanization led to the growth of new social classes, such as the urban working class and the bourgeoisie, as well as new forms of poverty and social inequality
• Realist and naturalist authors often depicted the impact of these changes on individuals and communities, exploring themes such as the dehumanizing effects of factory work and the squalor of urban slums

Rise of scientific thought and Darwinism

• The 19th century also saw the rise of new scientific theories and methods, such as evolutionary biology and experimental psychology
• These theories challenged traditional ideas about human nature and society, and suggested that human behavior was shaped by deterministic forces such as heredity and environment
• Naturalist authors in particular were influenced by these scientific ideas, and sought to apply them to the study of human behavior and society in their fiction

Influence of journalism and photography

• The 19th century also saw the growth of new forms of media, such as newspapers and photography, which provided more immediate and realistic depictions of the world
• Realist and naturalist authors were often influenced by these media, and sought to incorporate their techniques and perspectives into their fiction
• For example, many realist and naturalist works employ a journalistic or documentary style, with detailed descriptions and objective narration that seek to capture the texture of everyday life

Reaction against romanticism and sentimentalism

• Realist and naturalist fiction emerged in part as a reaction against the romanticism and sentimentalism that had dominated literature in the early 19th century
• These earlier literary movements often depicted life in an idealized or exaggerated manner, with larger-than-life heroes and melodramatic plots
• Realist and naturalist authors rejected this approach, and sought to depict the world as it really was, with all its flaws and imperfections

Reflection of social and economic changes

• Realist and naturalist fiction often reflected the social and economic changes of the 19th century, such as the growth of cities, the rise of industry, and the emergence of new social classes
• These changes had a profound impact on the way people lived and thought about the world, and realist and naturalist authors sought to capture this impact in their fiction
• For example, many realist and naturalist works depict the struggles of working-class characters to survive in a rapidly changing and often hostile world, or the moral and psychological conflicts of bourgeois characters caught between tradition and modernity

Literary techniques

• Realist and naturalist authors employed a range of literary techniques to create a sense of verisimilitude and authenticity in their works
• These techniques, such as detailed description, realistic dialogue, and symbolic imagery, helped to create a vivid and immersive fictional world that captured the complexity and nuance of real life
• Understanding the key literary techniques of realist and naturalist fiction can help to illuminate the artistic and philosophical priorities of these movements, and their lasting influence on modern literature

Third-person narration and limited omniscience

• Many realist and naturalist works employ a third-person narrative voice that is objective and detached, presenting events and characters in an impartial and non-judgmental manner
• This narrative voice often has limited omniscience, meaning that it can access the thoughts and feelings of some characters but not others, creating a sense of psychological depth and complexity
• The use of third-person narration and limited omniscience allows realist and naturalist authors to create a sense of authorial distance and objectivity, while still exploring the inner lives of their characters

Detailed descriptions and realistic dialogue

• Realist and naturalist works often include detailed descriptions of settings, objects, and characters, creating a vivid and immersive fictional world
• These descriptions often focus on the mundane and everyday aspects of life, such as the appearance of a room or the texture of a fabric, in order to create a sense of authenticity and immediacy
• Realistic dialogue is also a key feature of realist and naturalist fiction, with characters speaking in a natural and idiomatic manner that captures the rhythms and cadences of real speech

Use of symbolism and irony

• While realist and naturalist fiction often avoids overt symbolism and allegory, many works still employ symbolic imagery and ironic juxtapositions to convey deeper meanings and themes
• For example, a naturalist novel might use the image of a trapped animal to symbolize the deterministic forces that shape human behavior, or a re