Naturalism in Literature

Have you ever stopped to wonder just how much of your life is truly under your control? That’s what naturalism—a literary and philosophical movement—makes you think about. It’s not just about describing life as it is; it’s about digging deeper, peeling back the layers to uncover the forces shaping us, and somehow, criticizing without criticizing. Naturalism doesn’t show anything like something they are not. It looks at something and says, “This is how it is,” and it does so in a way that makes you feel connected to the struggles and emotions of others. In this article, I want to share why naturalism has always felt so raw and real to me, exploring its roots, its defining ideas, and why it still speaks to us today and probably will do in the future. 

Roots of Naturalism 

Naturalism was born in the late 19th century, a time of big changes, even bigger questions, and huge social problems that have never been seen or felt before in human history. Cities were full of underpaid factory workers, and technology and industry were booming. At the same time, Charles Darwin’s ideas about evolution were turning the world upside down. His theory of natural selection suggested that so much of life is shaped by forces we can’t see; therefore, we can’t control them either. It’s humbling, isn’t it? Realizing we’re part of something so much bigger than ourselves. 

Writers like Émile Zola were inspired by Darwinist and positivist ideas in general. Zola, often called the father of naturalism, believed literature should be like a scientific experiment. He wanted to study characters in specific environments to reveal truths about human behavior. His "Rougon-Macquart" series is all about showing how family, society, and circumstances shape us. Reading his work feels like looking through a microscope at life—painful at times, but really honest at the same time. It is almost too real. 

What Makes Naturalism Special? 

Naturalism is about being real—real. It doesn’t gloss over life’s messiness. Instead, it leans into it, showing us what happens when people face forces beyond their control. Here are a few ideas that make naturalism what it is: 

1. Life is Determined: Naturalist writers remind us that so much of what we do is influenced by things we didn’t choose—our genetics, the families we’re born into, the social systems we’re stuck in. Think about it: how often do we get to decide the course of our lives? It’s a sobering thought, but also one that makes you more compassionate. 
2. No judgment: These writers don’t preach. They don’t tell you how to feel. They just show you how it is, and they are not trying to give you some sort of feeling or thought. To put it simply, it is what it is. I think this is the best way to define the naturalist narrative. 
3. Focusing on the marginalized: Naturalism is unique in that way, as these people were always overlooked. It shows the lives of struggling people, often from the marginalized social classes. 
4. The Stark Truth: Naturalist stories don’t hold back. They confront topics like poverty, addiction, and violence head-on. It is there to make you understand how difficult life is for some people and how unjust the system we live in is. 

The Voices of Naturalism 

Naturalism wouldn’t exist without the writers who brought it to life. Each one has its way of making you feel something real and raw: 

• Émile Zola’s books, like "Germinal," are heartbreaking and eye-opening. They’re about coal miners, factory workers, and others trying to survive in brutal conditions. You can almost feel the coal dust in your lungs as you read. 
• Stephen Crane: Crane’s "Maggie: A Girl of the Streets" broke my heart the first time I read it. It’s about a girl trying to escape poverty, and it’s so vivid and honest that you can’t help but ache for her. 
• Frank Norris: Norris’s "McTeague" is a wild ride. It’s about greed and survival and how those things can tear people apart. It feels so modern in the way it critiques society. 
• Theodore Dreiser: Dreiser’s "Sister Carrie" is unforgettable. It’s about ambition and how the dream of a better life can lead you to unexpected places. His characters feel so real, like people you’ve met before. 

The Human Side of Naturalism 

Naturalism is not just about stories; it’s about people, society, and us. There is something there for everyone since it is there to be real. Every type of human struggle can be found in it, most realistically. To me, it also shows us that life is too harsh and that we don't even need to exaggerate certain things to reflect it. And that’s what I think naturalism does so beautifully. It doesn’t just say, “Life is tough, and here are the reasons why.” It says, “Look at these people. See their struggles, their hopes, their flaws.” It’s like holding up a mirror and realizing that, even in our darkest moments, we’re not alone. Because, let’s face it, who hasn’t felt trapped by circumstances or overwhelmed by forces beyond their control? 

Why It Still Matters 

Even though naturalism came about over a century ago, the naturalist ideas are still relevant. We’re still dealing with inequality, oppression, and social degeneration. Writers today, like Jesmyn Ward ("Salvage the Bones") and Richard Powers ("The Overstory"), carry on the naturalist tradition, telling stories that make us think about the things shaping our modern world and our miserable lives. 

Conclusion 

Naturalism isn’t just a literary movement; it’s a way of seeing our world. It asks us to look at life honestly, to acknowledge the things shaping us while celebrating the endurance of the human spirit. It’s about empathizing with people from different backgrounds and realizing that their struggles, their joys, and their humanity are not so different from our own. I think that's why naturalism will always matter. It reminds us of the beauty and the pain of being human, and it helps us find empathy in a world that often feels overwhelming. And honestly, who couldn’t use a little more of that?