SH+P5+2013+Naturalism

1. Naturalism 2. Savannah Klasen 3. 4. Naturalism is the specific category of literature that is used to explain and describe human nature. One critic stated that naturalism is "... a special selection of subject matter and a special literary manner; it is a mode of fiction that was developed by a school of writers in accordance with a particular philosophical thesis" (Abrams 153). This essentially means that naturalistic writers will use philosophy in their works to add a realness in their stories. Often times, naturalists were inspired by Charles Darwin's biological studies of evolution in their writing. Darwin believed in a "survival of the fittest" way of how humans came to be, and this is present in naturalism. Naturalism is also inspired from realism, which is to "to present an accurate imitation of life as it is" (Abrams 152). The difference between the two is that naturalism uses more facts rather than just descriptions of life itself. 6. Abrams, M.H. A Glossary of Literary Terms, 5th Edition. San Francisco: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc., 1988. 152-3. "Naturalism in Literature." Net Echt. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Aug. 2013.

1. Naturalism 2. Grace Oresman 3. 4. Naturalism in literature is the study of human beings. It focuses on the point of morals and characteristics in human nature and sees them through scientific eyes. One article reads, “naturalistic writers believed that the laws behind the forces that govern human lives might be studied and understood” (Campbell). Naturalistic writers, as they’re called, use a kind of scientific method when writing. They tend to observe people who are “governed by their instincts,” along with heredity and environment. They tend to have a certain objective in mind when using the reality they try to convey, Washington State University states. The term realism also applies when talking about naturalism, due to the research of humans’ reasons for their characteristics or actions. Josh Rahn explains, “The dominant theme of Naturalist literature is that persons are fated to whatever station in life their heredity, environment, and social conditions prepare them for. The power of primitive emotions to negate human reason was also a recurring element” (Naturalism). This is an aspect that is inspected; differentiating the natural events from the inner mind’s events. “The term naturalism describes a type of literature that attempts to apply scientific principles of objectivity and detachment to its study of human beings” (Campbell). Overall, naturalism is a major role in “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” in the sense that Hyde remains on the fense of human nature and the power that emotions and instincts play in one’s mind. 6. Campbell, Donna M. "Naturalism in American Literature." Literary Movements. Dept. of English, Washington State University. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Aug. 2013. Rahn, John. "Naturalism." - Literature Periods & Movements. Jalic Inc., n.d. Web. 03 Aug. 2013.