Naturalism Literary Movement Late 1890s late 1930s Naturalism
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Naturalism Literary Movement Late 1890’s - late 1930’s
Naturalism (1890’s-late 1930’s) Peaked during the Great Depression • Faded during WWII • Growing impact of Marxism • Harsh economic realities • § Depressions 1890’s and 1930’s • Growing impact of social Darwinism § Man improves as the strong are left to take advantage of the weak- “survival of the fittest”
Naturalism Offshoot of realism } Pessimistic (negative or fatalistic) attitude § “No God…natural forces are the only cause of the universe…man’s will is not free…man’s fate is determined by natural forces or social circumstances or accident…the nature of man is selfish, cruel, egotistical…all unfortunate but necessary qualities” }
Naturalism } } } People are just a product of their environment Outlook on life is bleak ONLY THE STRONGEST SURVIVE Frustration and unhappiness is widespread Sensual pleasures (things that touch the senses) are the only joys in life
Attributes of Naturalism } } } No heaven or hell… life just ends…very depressing Details of physical science Detailed analysis of society and the individual Subject matter involves some social problem or vice Usually focuses on lower classes § Prostitutes, farmers, meat packing workers, etc.
Naturalist Writers Stephen Crane (Red Badge of Courage) } Edith Wharton (Ethan Frome) } Ernest Hemingway (For Whom the Bell } Tolls, The Sun Also Rises) Jack London (Call of the Wild) } John Steinbeck (Of Mice and Men, Grapes } of Wrath, The Pearl) } Upton Sinclair (The Jungle)
