What is Naturalism? 🌿
Naturalism (pronounced /ˈnætʃərəlɪzəm/) is a literary device and movement that emphasizes observation and the scientific method in the fictional portrayal of reality. Naturalist writers aim to depict life accurately and objectively, often focusing on the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior. This literary approach seeks to explore the harsh realities of life without romanticizing or idealizing them.
How Writers Use Naturalism ✍️
Writers use naturalism to:
- Portray Realism: Present a detailed and unembellished depiction of everyday life.
- Explore Determinism: Examine how factors like environment, heredity, and social conditions shape human destiny.
- Critique Society: Offer social commentary by highlighting societal issues and injustices.
- Develop Complex Characters: Create multifaceted characters whose actions are influenced by various external and internal forces.
Types of Naturalism 📜
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Psychological Naturalism | Focuses on the internal struggles and psychological conditions of characters. | “The Turn of the Screw” by Henry James |
| Social Naturalism | Emphasizes the impact of social conditions and environments on characters. | “Germinal” by Émile Zola |
| Environmental Naturalism | Highlights the influence of the physical environment and nature on human behavior. | “The Call of the Wild” by Jack London |
| Deterministic Naturalism | Explores how predetermined factors such as genetics and environment dictate characters’ lives. | “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” by Thomas Hardy |
Rules for Crafting Naturalism 📏
| Rule | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Detailed Observation | Use meticulous detail to describe settings, characters, and events. |
| Objective Tone | Maintain an objective, detached narrative voice. |
| Focus on Realism | Avoid romanticizing or idealizing characters and situations. |
| Explore Determinism | Highlight how external and internal forces shape characters’ actions and fates. |
| Social Commentary | Use the narrative to comment on societal issues and conditions. |
Examples in Literature, Poetry, Songs, Movies, and Advertising 📚🎶🎬📺
Naturalism in Literature 📖
Naturalism has been a significant force in literature, providing an unvarnished look at human life. Here are some famous examples:
| Work | Author | Type of Naturalism |
|---|---|---|
| “The Grapes of Wrath” | John Steinbeck | Social Naturalism |
| “Sister Carrie” | Theodore Dreiser | Social and Psychological Naturalism |
| “Nana” | Émile Zola | Social Naturalism |
Naturalism in Children’s Books 📚
Naturalism in children’s literature often aims to present life lessons through realistic storytelling. Examples include:
| Book | Author | Type of Naturalism |
|---|---|---|
| “Bridge to Terabithia” | Katherine Paterson | Social and Environmental Naturalism |
| “Holes” | Louis Sachar | Social and Environmental Naturalism |
| “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” | Betty Smith | Social Naturalism |
Naturalism in Poetry 📝
Naturalism in poetry often explores human nature and social conditions with stark realism. Some notable examples are:
| Poem | Poet | Type of Naturalism |
|---|---|---|
| “To a Mouse” | Robert Burns | Environmental Naturalism |
| “Dover Beach” | Matthew Arnold | Social Naturalism |
| “The Darkling Thrush” | Thomas Hardy | Environmental Naturalism |
Naturalism in Songs 🎶
Songs can incorporate naturalistic themes to reflect real-life struggles and social issues. Examples include:
| Song | Artist | Type of Naturalism |
|---|---|---|
| “The River” | Bruce Springsteen | Social Naturalism |
| “Fast Car” | Tracy Chapman | Social Naturalism |
| “Working Class Hero” | John Lennon | Social Naturalism |
Listen to “The River” by Bruce Springsteen
Naturalism in Movies 🎬
Naturalism in films often portrays gritty, realistic narratives that explore human nature and social conditions. Examples include:
| Movie | Director | Type of Naturalism |
|---|---|---|
| “The Bicycle Thief” | Vittorio De Sica | Social Naturalism |
| “Requiem for a Dream” | Darren Aronofsky | Psychological and Social Naturalism |
| “There Will Be Blood” | Paul Thomas Anderson | Social and Environmental Naturalism |
Watch a scene from “The Bicycle Thief”
Naturalism in Advertising 📺
Advertisers sometimes use naturalistic themes to create relatable and impactful messages. Examples include:
| Ad Campaign | Brand | Type of Naturalism |
|---|---|---|
| “Think Small” | Volkswagen | Social Naturalism |
| “Real Beauty” | Dove | Social Naturalism |
| “Share a Coke” | Coca-Cola | Social Naturalism |
Watch “Real Beauty” ad from Dove
FAQs about Naturalism ❓
What is the purpose of using naturalism in writing?
Naturalism aims to present a realistic and objective portrayal of life, highlighting the influence of environment, heredity, and social conditions on human behavior.
How can naturalism enhance a story?
It provides a detailed and unembellished look at life, making the story more relatable and thought-provoking by exploring the complexities of human nature and societal issues.
Is naturalism suitable for all types of stories?
Naturalism is particularly effective for stories that seek to explore real-life struggles, societal issues, and the human condition in a detailed and objective manner.
Related Devices 📝
- Realism: A literary movement focused on depicting everyday life and society as it is, without idealization.
- Determinism: The philosophical concept that all events, including moral choices, are determined by previously existing causes.
- Social Commentary: The act of using rhetorical means to provide commentary on issues in a society.