Characteristics of Naturalism (1890 - 1915) |
Characters: Frequently, but not invariably the characters in a work of naturalism are ill-educated or lower-class whose lives are governed by the forces of heredity, instinct, and passion. Their attempts at exercising free will or choice are hamsturng by forces beyond their control. Social Darwinism and other theories heop to explain their fates to the reader. The naturalist is not interested in the superior-type, but are more interested in the average person and how he/she reacts to the enviornment. See London's "To Build a Fire" and Crane's "The Open Boat." In both of these stories there is nothing extraordinary about the characters. In fact, most of them don't even have a name given to them. This emphasizes their faceless character. Setting: Frequently an urban setting, but usually a setting that would symbolize the universe and nature. Since the main conflict is man versus nature, the setting is dominant in the story to the point that any action taken by the characters is usually futile. Techniques and plots: The naturalistic story offers a "slice of life." The plot is usually chronologically arranged and often a chronicle of despair as the character struggles against forces he can't control. The symbols usually represent the world, the universe and man's place and problems within nature. Got comments or questions? See Mr. Jay Edwards or email him at: [back to Naturalism] [Definitions] [Stephen Crane - The Open Boat] |