Realism and Naturalism in Literature

Posted on Nov 20, 2024 in Arts and Humanities

Realism

Realism, an art movement influenced by positivism, emerged as a reaction against Romanticism. It aimed to depict reality accurately, focusing on everyday life and social issues. Key influences include:

  • Positivism: Emphasizes empirical observation and experience as the basis of knowledge.
  • Evolutionism: Highlights natural selection and the struggle for existence.
  • Marxism: Analyzes societal structures and class struggles.

Features of Realism

  • Faithful reproduction of life and society.
  • Objective narration and detailed descriptions.
  • Focus on character psychology and social environments.
  • Use of colloquial language and realistic dialogue.
  • The novel as the primary literary genre.

Krausismo and Prose

Krausismo, a liberal philosophy, emphasized reason, tolerance, and progressive education. In prose, journalism played a crucial role in developing a direct and flexible style, replacing romanticized narratives with realistic portrayals.

Themes in Realism

  • Contrast between traditional and modern values.
  • Rural exodus and urban social issues.
  • Social advancement and moral dilemmas.
  • The condition of women and their limited opportunities.
  • Bourgeois individualism and themes of adultery.

Characteristics of the Realistic Novel

  • Objective Vision: Direct observation of behavior and psychology.
  • Thesis Defense: Narrators convey their moral perspectives through omniscient narration.
  • Relatable Themes: Marital conflict, infidelity, and societal ideals.
  • Colloquial Language: Authentic representation of characters’ speech.

Naturalism

Naturalism, influenced by Émile Zola, extended Realism by incorporating scientific principles:

  • Materialism: Denies spiritual aspects, focusing on physical existence.
  • Determinism: Human behavior is shaped by heredity and environment.
  • Experimental Method: Characters are placed in situations to demonstrate the impact of their background.

Key Aspects of Naturalism

  1. Focus on “strong” themes, dramatic situations, and characters with psychological or social issues.
  2. Emphasis on observation, documentation, and accurate speech reproduction, as seen in Guy de Maupassant’s “Boule de Suif.”