1. Naturalism

2. Definition
A literary movement popular in the 1890s and early 1900s. It had a resurgence of popularity in the 1930s. This type of literature is most popular during times of hardship – financial, emotional or otherwise.

3. Popular Naturalistic Writers
Stephen Crane
Frank Norris
Jack London
John Steinbeck

4. SETTING
An urban setting

5. Characteristics Ordinary characters are the main characters
Use of vernacular language ( common language)
Realistic presentation of life: life is portrayed as it really is

6. Concentrate on the negative side of life:
- wars, poverty, disease, etc.
Anti- sentimental: only write about the present / never write about the good old days
Very factual writing: gives the reader the facts and allows him to draw his own conclusions

7. Fatalistic: Do not believe a man controls his own fate
Fatalistic: Do not believe a man controls his own fate. No free will to determine his destiny
Man is crushed by either a social or natural force which he cannot change
Pessimistic: Society will not improve

8. World is amoral: no reward for goodness
Stories are often ironic: surprise endings

9. LANGUAGE IN NATURALISM
Typically vernacular-
Captures the speech of the common, ordinary citizen
Ex: “Eh, child what is it dis time? Is yer fader beatin’ yer mudder or yer mudder beatin’ yer fader?” (last line of Chapter 2 of Maggie)
Style is very factual, detail oriented—much like a newspaper account

10. Favorite Naturalistic Themes
Man’s inhumanity to man
Nature’s indifference to mankind

11. How is the following quote an example of naturalism?
“ A man said to the universe:
‘Sir, I exist!’
‘However,’ replied the universe,
‘The fact has not created in me a sense of obligation’”
Stephen Crane