Realism and Naturalism emerged as literary movements in the 19th century, changing how writers portrayed life. Realism focused on everyday experiences, while Naturalism incorporated scientific principles and determinism into storytelling.

These movements influenced literature by emphasizing authentic depictions of society and human behavior. They explored social issues, used objective narration, and rejected Romantic idealization, leaving a lasting impact on subsequent literary movements and societal awareness.

Understanding Realism and Naturalism

Realism vs Naturalism in literature

• Realism
  • Literary movement emerged mid-19th century depicted life authentically without idealization
  • Focused on everyday experiences and ordinary people's lives (factory workers, farmers)
  • Employed objective observation and detailed descriptions of settings and characters
• Naturalism
  • Offshoot of Realism emerged late 19th century incorporated scientific principles and determinism
  • Viewed humans as subject to natural forces beyond their control (environment, heredity)
  • Explored taboo subjects and social issues (poverty, violence, addiction)
• Key differences
  • Realism presented objective reality while Naturalism emphasized nature's role and environmental influences
  • Realist characters possessed agency whereas Naturalist characters often fell victim to circumstance
  • Realism maintained neutral tone while Naturalism tended towards pessimism and fatalism

Characteristics of Realist and Naturalist writing

• Realist techniques
  • Detailed descriptions brought settings and characters to life (urban slums, rural landscapes)
  • Vernacular language and dialects reflected authentic speech patterns
  • Character psychology and motivation drove plot development
  • Avoided melodrama and sensationalism favored subtle, nuanced storytelling
• Naturalist techniques
  • Scientific observation documented human behavior in detail
  • Symbolism represented natural forces (storms symbolizing fate)
  • Heredity and environment heavily influenced character outcomes
  • Deterministic worldview emphasized characters' lack of free will
• Shared characteristics
  • Objective narration presented unbiased accounts of events
  • Social issues critiqued society's problems (class inequality, corruption)
  • Rejected Romantic idealization and sentimentality for stark realism

Influences on Realism and Naturalism

• Social influences
  • Industrial Revolution and urbanization transformed society
  • Middle class rose to prominence became major readership
  • Increased literacy rates expanded audience for literature
• Scientific influences
  • Darwin's theory of evolution challenged traditional beliefs
  • Psychology and sociology advanced understanding of human behavior
  • Positivism and empiricism emphasized observable facts
• Philosophical influences
  • Determinism questioned concept of free will
  • Materialism rejected metaphysical explanations for natural phenomena
  • Utilitarianism and social reform movements sought societal improvement

Impact of Realist and Naturalist literature

• Societal impact
  • Exposed social inequalities and injustices raised public awareness
  • Challenged prevailing moral and social conventions sparked debates
  • Influenced social reform movements and legislation (labor laws, education reform)
• Portrayal of human condition
  • Depicted struggles of ordinary people humanized lower classes
  • Explored psychological complexity of characters deepened character development
  • Questioned role of free will in human behavior challenged traditional notions of morality
• Literary legacy
  • Influenced subsequent movements (Modernism, Social Realism)
  • Expanded scope of literary subjects included previously taboo topics
  • Contributed to development of literary journalism and non-fiction blurred lines between fiction and reportage