Realism And Naturalism

901 Words4 Pages
Realism and naturalism are arguably very similar but as you take a deeper look they appear different. Realism is defined as an interest in, and emphasis on, life as it is. In literature this does not mean that writers copy what they see and hear. It means that they will select from their observations the material suitable for constructing a story that represents what they have understood. Characters are more important than the plot and action, and complex ethical choices are often the subject of the literature. Characters are related to nature, to each other, to their social class, and to their own past. This relation makes up the complexity of their personality and motive. Realist writers describe reality in comprehensive detail and use believable events in their stories. Naturalism is the philosophy which tries to apply scientific reasoning to the world. In literature it extended the tradition of realism, aiming at an even more faithful, non-selective representation of reality, a veritable “slice of life,” presented without moral judgment. Naturalistic writers use a version of scientific method and apply it to their writing. The study of human beings focuses on their instinct, passion and the ways in which their lives are governed by forces of heredity and environment. The "monster within", "man against nature" or "man against himself" are all conflicts that surface in a naturalistic novel. Usually the character must fight off external temptations or pleasures that might release the "monster within". Nature often acts as an indifferent force that governs the lives of human beings. Naturalistic novels display the futile attempts of individuals to exercise their free will. In Stephen Crane's short story The Open Boat, four men are stranded in the ocean fighting against nature to survive. This is a perfect example of the “man against nature” theme found in some
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