Realism Naturalism and The Novel – Summary
Realisim and Naturalism.pdf
Realism and naturalism are two important styles in stories, especially in novels. These styles try to show life in a real and natural way, but they have some differences.
Realism is a way of writing that makes stories feel real to readers. It became popular in the 19th century with writers like Honoré de Balzac in France, George Eliot in England, and William Dean Howells in America. Realistic novels show life as it really is, not as we imagine it. They describe daily life, common people, and normal events in great detail.
Realistic stories are different from romantic stories. Romantic stories are full of adventure, heroism, and fantasy, while realistic stories show real life. A realistic novel makes readers feel that the events and characters could exist in the real world. For example, Daniel Defoe wrote about unusual adventures in “Robinson Crusoe” and “Moll Flanders,” but his simple writing style made them look like true stories. Even modern “magic realism” stories use a realistic style to make unbelievable events feel real.
Some critics say that no novel can be truly realistic because every story follows certain rules. Readers learn to accept these rules and see the story as real. However, many novels still give readers the feeling of real life. The debate about realism continues among experts.
Naturalism is a more extreme form of realism. It is based on the idea that humans are like animals, controlled by nature, heredity, and society. Naturalistic writers believe that people do not have free will. Instead, their lives are shaped by their environment and basic needs like hunger, greed, and desire. This idea came from the scientific theories of Charles Darwin in the 19th century.
The French writer Émile Zola developed naturalism in his “experimental novels.” He treated his characters like subjects in a science study. Naturalistic novels often have sad endings, where characters are destroyed by forces they cannot control. Unlike traditional tragedies, where heroes fight against fate, naturalistic novels show people being crushed by society and nature.
Some famous naturalistic novels include Zola’s “Nana” and Theodore Dreiser’s “An American Tragedy.” Thomas Hardy’s “Jude the Obscure” also shows naturalistic ideas but replaces biological forces with a cosmic fate.
Realism and naturalism were later challenged by new styles like symbolism and expressionism. However, they remained important in modern literature, influencing many novels and plays.
To understand realism and naturalism better, many experts have written books and essays. Some famous critics who studied these styles include Ian Watt, Roland Barthes, and Hilary Putnam. Their works help us understand how literature shows real life and how different writers use realism and naturalism in their novels. In conclusion, realism and naturalism changed the way novels were written. Realism focuses on daily life, while naturalism goes deeper to show how people are controlled by nature and society. Both styles have influenced literature for many years and are still important today
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Who is considered a key figure in developing naturalism in literature?
a) William Dean Howells b) George Eliot c) Émile Zola d) Franz Kafka
Answer: c) Émile Zola - Realism in literature aims to represent life:
a) As an idealized adventure b) As it truly is c) As a romantic fantasy d) As a symbolic expression
Answer: b) As it truly is - Which 19th-century movement opposed realism and naturalism?
a) Expressionism b) Romanticism c) Symbolism d) Both a and c
Answer: d) Both a and c - Realism in literature primarily focuses on:
a) Supernatural elements b) The ordinary course of events c) Heroic adventures d) Mythological themes
Answer: b) The ordinary course of events - Who among the following is a realist novelist?
a) Honoré de Balzac b) T. S. Eliot c) Edgar Allan Poe d) Homer
Answer: a) Honoré de Balzac - What is a significant difference between realism and romance in literature?
a) Realism portrays life as it is; romance portrays it as it should be
b) Romance is based on facts; realism is based on myths
c) Realism includes supernatural elements; romance avoids them
d) There is no difference between them
Answer: a) Realism portrays life as it is; romance portrays it as it should be - Which author is associated with the novel “A Modern Instance”?
a) William Dean Howells b) Charles Dickens c) Jane Austen d) Stephen Crane
Answer: a) William Dean Howells - The naturalist movement in literature was influenced by:
a) Mythology b) Post-Darwinian biology c) Greek tragedies d) Shakespearean drama
Answer: b) Post-Darwinian biology - The protagonist in a naturalistic novel is often depicted as:
a) A heroic warrior b) A victim of fate and environment c) A divine being d) An idealized lover
Answer: b) A victim of fate and environment - According to naturalism, a human being is:
a) Governed by free will b) Controlled by heredity and environment
c) Influenced by divine intervention d) Independent of societal forces
Answer: b) Controlled by heredity and environment - Émile Zola referred to naturalism as:
a) Romantic imagination b) Symbolic literature c) Le roman expérimental d) Aesthetic fiction
Answer: c) Le roman expérimental - Which of these is an example of a naturalistic novel?
a) Jane Eyre b) Pride and Prejudice c) An American Tragedy d) Robinson Crusoe
Answer: c) An American Tragedy - The novel “Nana” was written by:
a) George Eliot b) Émile Zola c) Mark Twain d) Thomas Hardy
Answer: b) Émile Zola - The term “realistic fiction” refers to:
a) Fiction based on mythology b) Fiction that portrays life truthfully
c) Stories with supernatural themes d) Literature that avoids reality
Answer: b) Fiction that portrays life truthfully - Magic realism differs from realism because:
a) It includes elements of fantasy b) It strictly adheres to facts
c) It rejects imagination d) It is completely historical
Answer: a) It includes elements of fantasy - Who among these was a naturalist writer?
a) Frank Norris b) Virginia Woolf c) Edgar Allan Poe d) Emily Dickinson
Answer: a) Frank Norris - The novel “The Naked and the Dead” by Norman Mailer is an example of:
a) Naturalism b) Romanticism c) Surrealism d) Classicism
Answer: a) Naturalism - Russian formalists believed that realism depends on:
a) Divine intervention b) Literary conventions c) Supernatural beliefs d) Emotional exaggeration
Answer: b) Literary conventions - Which author wrote about realism in “The Realist Novel in England”?
a) Émile Zola b) William Dean Howells c) Ioan Williams d) Virginia Woolf
Answer: c) Ioan Williams - What is the main idea of naturalistic literature?
a) Humans have free will b) Humans are controlled by biological and social forces
c) Life is full of supernatural events d) Literature should only be imaginative
Answer: b) Humans are controlled by biological and social forces - Which novel is an example of realism?
a) A Modern Instance b) Dracula c) The Lord of the Rings d) Frankenstein
Answer: a) A Modern Instance - Who wrote “The Rise of the Novel”?
a) Ian Watt b) Jane Austen c) Stephen Crane d) Mark Twain
Answer: a) Ian Watt - Which of these is NOT a characteristic of realism?
a) Detailed depiction of everyday life b) Focus on common people
c) Idealized, exaggerated events d) Representation of real social issues
Answer: c) Idealized, exaggerated events - Which of these naturalist authors focused on the struggles of the working class?
a) Theodore Dreiser b) William Wordsworth c) John Milton d) Nathaniel Hawthorne
Answer: a) Theodore Dreiser - “Jude the Obscure” by Thomas Hardy is influenced by:
a) Naturalism b) Romanticism c) Classicism d) Gothic literature
Answer: a) Naturalism - What is a common theme in naturalistic novels?
a) Supernatural heroism b) The impact of fate and environment on individuals
c) The triumph of free will d) Idealized romance
Answer: b) The impact of fate and environment on individuals - Who wrote “The Gold Standard and the Logic of Naturalism”?
a) Émile Zola b) Walter Benn Michaels c) Virginia Woolf d) Charles Dickens
Answer: b) Walter Benn Michaels - Which novel demonstrates the use of “tragic” endings in naturalism?
a) An American Tragedy b) Pride and Prejudice c) Moby-Dick d) Wuthering Heights
Answer: a) An American Tragedy - Which philosopher discussed reality and literary convention in “Structuralist Poetics”?
a) Jonathan Culler b) Roland Barthes c) Hilary Putnam d) Menachem Brinker
Answer: a) Jonathan Culler - Which author is associated with socialist realism?
a) William Faulkner b) Maxim Gorky c) T. S. Eliot d) James Joyce
Answer: b) Maxim Gorky
Important Questions and Answers on Realism Naturalism and the Novel
1. What is Realism in literature?
Answer: Realism is a literary movement that started in the 19th century as a reaction against Romanticism. It tries to show everyday life and common people as they really are, without adding extra imagination or idealization. Realistic novels focus on real-life situations, character development, and social problems. Writers use simple language and detailed descriptions to make the story feel real.
2. What are the key characteristics of Realism?
Answer: Realism has some important features that make it different from other styles. It gives a detailed description of everyday life and focuses on middle or lower-class people. The language used is simple and clear so that everyone can understand it. Realist writers highlight social and economic conditions in their stories. They also show deep psychological development in their characters. The narration is objective and neutral, meaning it does not favor any side but presents life as it is.
3. Who are the major Realist novelists?
Answer: Many writers became famous for their Realist novels. In Europe, authors like Gustave Flaubert wrote Madame Bovary, Leo Tolstoy wrote Anna Karenina, Charles Dickens wrote Great Expectations, and George Eliot wrote Middlemarch. In America, Realist novelists include Mark Twain, who wrote The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Henry James, who wrote The Portrait of a Lady, and William Dean Howells, who wrote The Rise of Silas Lapham.
4. What is Naturalism in literature?
Answer: Naturalism is a more extreme form of Realism. It shows how environment, heredity, and social conditions shape human behavior. It often presents characters as helpless victims of nature, society, and biological instincts. Naturalist writers use scientific ideas like Darwin’s theory of evolution in their stories. They believe that humans do not have full control over their lives because powerful natural and social forces influence them.
5. What are the key characteristics of Naturalism?
Answer: Naturalism believes that people’s lives are controlled by their environment, fate, and heredity. It focuses on lower-class struggles and presents a pessimistic view of life, showing themes of survival, violence, and hardship. Naturalist literature is influenced by scientific theories, such as Darwin’s evolution theory. The storytelling is detailed and objective, without adding romanticized ideas.
6. Who are the major Naturalist novelists?
Answer: Some important Naturalist writers in Europe include Émile Zola, who wrote Germinal, and Thomas Hardy, who wrote Tess of the d’Urbervilles. In America, Naturalist novelists include Stephen Crane, who wrote Maggie: A Girl of the Streets, Frank Norris, who wrote McTeague, Theodore Dreiser, who wrote Sister Carrie, and Jack London, who wrote The Call of the Wild.
7. How does Naturalism differ from Realism?
Answer: Realism and Naturalism are similar but have some key differences. Realism focuses on normal people and everyday life, while Naturalism focuses on the harsh realities of life and extreme conditions. Realism believes in free will, where people can make their own choices, but Naturalism believes in determinism, where fate, environment, and heredity control life. The tone of Realism is neutral, sometimes hopeful, while Naturalism often has a pessimistic and tragic tone. Realism is influenced by social and political realities, whereas Naturalism is influenced by science, Darwinism, and psychology. Realist novels focus on middle-class life, morality, and social issues, while Naturalist novels highlight poverty, survival, instincts, and violence.
8. How do Realist and Naturalist novels reflect society?
Answer: Both Realist and Naturalist novels try to show the real world. Realist novels show everyday struggles, social problems, and moral choices. They present life as it is without adding fantasy or exaggeration. On the other hand, Naturalist novels go deeper into human nature, showing how people are trapped by their environment, poverty, and instincts. Both styles help readers understand the real challenges of life and society.
9. Why did Realism and Naturalism emerge in the 19th century?
Answer: These movements became popular in the 19th century because of many historical and social changes. The Industrial Revolution changed society and created economic struggles. Scientific discoveries, such as Darwin’s evolution theory, influenced writers to focus on reality rather than imagination. The decline of Romantic idealism made people look for more practical and realistic stories. Political and social changes also played a role, along with increased literacy, which created a demand for stories that reflected real life.
10. What is the legacy of Realism and Naturalism in modern literature?
Answer: Realism and Naturalism have left a strong influence on modern literature. Their ideas helped develop later styles like Modernism and Contemporary Realism. Writers like Ernest Hemingway, John Steinbeck, and Richard Wright used Realist and Naturalist techniques in their works. Even today, these literary styles can be seen in novels, films, and TV shows that focus on realistic storytelling. They continue to shape literature by helping writers present real-life situations and human experiences in an honest and detailed way.
- What are the defining characteristics of tragedy and comedy?
Answer: Tragedy is a genre that explores the downfall of a noble protagonist, often due to a fatal flaw or a mistake in judgment. This downfall leads to immense suffering, which ultimately results in insight and enlightenment. The purpose of tragedy is to evoke emotions of pity and fear in the audience, leading to a catharsis—a purging or cleansing of these emotions.
On the other hand, comedy highlights the lighter aspects of human nature, frequently using humor and satire to expose human follies and societal norms. Comedies usually conclude with a happy resolution, such as marriages, reconciliations, or social harmony. Their primary aim is to entertain while also provoking thoughtful laughter.
- How did Aristotle define tragedy?
Answer: Aristotle, in his work “Poetics,” defined tragedy as an imitation of a serious and complete action, presented in dramatic form and using language that is artistically pleasurable. He emphasized that tragedy should evoke emotions of pity and fear in the audience, ultimately leading to catharsis, or the purification of these emotions. This process allows the audience to experience a deep emotional release and gain a better understanding of human nature.
- What is the concept of ‘hamartia’ in tragedy?
Answer: ‘Hamartia’ refers to the tragic flaw or error in judgment that leads to the downfall of the protagonist. This flaw is not always a moral weakness but could be a simple mistake or inherent defect in the character. It is this flaw that sets the chain of tragic events into motion, making the protagonist a victim of circumstances, fate, or their own misjudgment.
- How do the endings of tragedies and comedies typically differ?
Answer: Tragedies often conclude with the downfall or death of the protagonist, underscoring themes of suffering, fate, and the consequences of human flaws. These endings leave a lasting emotional impact on the audience, emphasizing the fragility of human existence.
In contrast, comedies end on a positive note, usually featuring reunions, marriages, or reconciliations. They focus on renewal and social harmony, often highlighting human adaptability and resilience. The resolution in a comedy restores order and reinforces optimism about life.
- Can a play incorporate elements of both tragedy and comedy?
Answer: Yes, plays that combine elements of both tragedy and comedy are called tragicomedies. These works skillfully blend serious and humorous elements, featuring both noble and common characters. Tragicomedies often navigate between tragic situations and comedic resolutions, striking a balance between despair and hope. This genre reflects the complexities of real life, where moments of sorrow and joy often coexist.
- How do the protagonists in tragedies and comedies differ?
Answer: In tragedies, protagonists are typically individuals of high status or noble character who face profound moral dilemmas or catastrophic events. Their struggles are often intense and lead to their eventual downfall, reinforcing the themes of fate, destiny, and human limitations.
In comedies, protagonists are often ordinary individuals who encounter humorous situations, misunderstandings, or social obstacles. Through wit, cleverness, or sheer luck, they manage to overcome these challenges, leading to personal growth or societal reintegration. Unlike tragic heroes, comic protagonists usually find themselves in better circumstances by the end of the play.
- What role does catharsis play in tragedy?
Answer: Catharsis is the emotional release that the audience experiences while watching a tragedy. It allows them to purge their feelings of pity and fear, providing a sense of relief and deeper understanding of human nature. Through the protagonist’s suffering and eventual downfall, the audience undergoes a transformative experience, gaining insights into life, fate, and morality.
- How do tragedies and comedies approach themes of fate and free will?
Answer: Tragedies often explore the conflict between fate and free will, illustrating how characters’ choices intertwine with an unavoidable destiny. Despite their efforts to change their fate, tragic protagonists usually face inevitable consequences, reinforcing the idea that some events are beyond human control.
Comedies, however, emphasize free will and adaptability. Characters in comedies frequently use wit, humor, and clever tactics to overcome obstacles, reshape their destinies, and achieve favorable outcomes. Unlike tragic figures, comic characters are rarely bound by fate, and their flexibility often leads to happy endings. By understanding these key aspects of tragedy and comedy, one gains a deeper appreciation of their influence on literature and their continued relevance in storytelling
1. What is realism in literature, and how does it differ from romanticism?
Answer: Realism in literature is a way of writing that tries to show life as it truly is. Realist writers focus on ordinary people, daily life, and real-world problems instead of making stories about fantasy, adventure, or magical worlds. They try to describe events, characters, and situations as naturally and honestly as possible, without exaggeration or over-dramatization.
Realism developed in the 19th century as a reaction against romanticism. Romantic literature often presented life in an idealistic way, focusing on emotions, imagination, and extraordinary experiences. Romantic heroes were usually larger-than-life figures—brave warriors, noble lovers, or magical beings—who overcame all obstacles through great courage or divine intervention. The settings in romantic literature were also quite dramatic, often involving castles, enchanted forests, or distant lands. The purpose of romantic literature was to inspire readers, make them dream, and take them away from the harsh realities of everyday life.
Realism, on the other hand, rejected these grand and idealistic views. Realist writers believed that literature should reflect the actual experiences of people living in society. Instead of writing about kings, knights, and fairies, they focused on common people such as farmers, factory workers, teachers, and clerks. Realist characters were not perfect or heroic—they had flaws, weaknesses, and struggles just like real human beings.
One key feature of realism is its detailed descriptions of everyday life. Writers describe ordinary events, conversations, and settings in great detail so that readers feel as if they are observing real life. Realist novels often explore social issues like poverty, corruption, injustice, and inequality. Many realist works highlight how people are affected by their social class, family background, and economic conditions.
For example, in a romantic novel, a poor man might find a magical opportunity to become rich and marry a princess. But in a realist novel, a poor man would struggle to find work, face discrimination, and might not succeed in escaping poverty.
Thus, realism presents life as it is, while romanticism presents life as we might wish it to be. Realist literature may not always be cheerful, but it aims to give an honest picture of human existence.
2. What is naturalism in literature? How is it related to realism?
Answer: Naturalism is a special branch of realism that takes the idea of depicting life realistically even further. While realism focuses on ordinary life and realistic events, naturalism is a more scientific and deterministic approach to storytelling. It argues that human beings are controlled by nature, society, and their genetic makeup, meaning that people have very little free will to change their fate.
Naturalism was heavily influenced by the scientific discoveries of the 19th century, particularly Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Darwin showed that all living beings, including humans, are shaped by their environment and heredity. Naturalist writers applied this idea to literature, suggesting that human behavior is not entirely a matter of choice but is determined by biology, environment, and social conditions.
Naturalist writers believe that people are often powerless in the face of nature and society. No matter how hard a person tries, they may not be able to escape their fate if their circumstances are too difficult.
For example, if a person is born in a poor family with no education and few opportunities, they will struggle throughout life and may never achieve success, no matter how hard they work. If someone is born in a crime-ridden neighborhood, they might end up becoming a criminal not because they choose to, but because their environment pushes them in that direction.
Naturalist novels often focus on the darker aspects of life—poverty, disease, crime, violence, and suffering. The characters in these stories are usually victims of their surroundings and are unable to escape their fate. Many naturalist works have tragic endings, emphasizing that life is not always fair or just.
Naturalism and realism are closely related because both reject fantasy and idealism. However, while realism simply aims to depict life as it is, naturalism goes further by trying to explain why people behave the way they do. It treats human beings almost like scientific subjects, studying their actions and decisions as results of nature and social conditions.
One famous naturalist writer is Émile Zola, who believed that literature should be like an experiment in science. In his novels, he tried to show how people’s lives are shaped by factors beyond their control, such as poverty, family background, and social injustice. His novel “Germinal” is about the miserable lives of coal miners in France, showing how they are trapped by their economic and social conditions.
In conclusion, naturalism is a more intense form of realism that studies human life scientifically. It presents a world where free will is limited and where people are often victims of forces beyond their control. Unlike romanticism, which offers hope and heroism, naturalism shows the harsh and unavoidable realities of life.
3. What are the key characteristics of modernist literature?
Answer: Modernist literature is a style of writing that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to rapid industrialization, world wars, and changes in society. It is characterized by a break from traditional storytelling methods and an exploration of deep psychological and philosophical themes.
One of the main characteristics of modernist literature is its experimental nature. Modernist writers often reject traditional plot structures and use stream-of-consciousness narration, fragmented storytelling, and shifting perspectives. This technique allows readers to experience the inner thoughts and emotions of characters more intimately.
Another important feature of modernist literature is its focus on individualism. Unlike earlier literary movements that focused on society as a whole, modernist writers explore the experiences and struggles of individuals who feel alienated and disconnected from the modern world. Characters in modernist novels often experience existential crises, questioning their purpose and place in society.
Modernist literature also challenges established ideas about truth and reality. Many modernist works suggest that reality is subjective and different for each person. Instead of presenting one clear and objective truth, modernist writers show multiple viewpoints and allow readers to interpret the story in their own way.
Themes of isolation, uncertainty, and the passage of time are common in modernist literature. Writers like T.S. Eliot, Virginia Woolf, and James Joyce often explore the difficulties of living in a fast-changing world where traditional beliefs no longer seem to hold meaning.
For example, James Joyce’s novel “Ulysses” is famous for its complex narrative style and stream-of-consciousness technique, which allows readers to see the chaotic thoughts of its protagonist. Similarly, T.S. Eliot’s poem “The Waste Land” captures the sense of disillusionment and cultural decay in post-World War I Europe.
In conclusion, modernist literature is a bold and innovative movement that breaks away from traditional storytelling and explores the complexities of human thought and existence. It reflects the uncertainty and rapid changes of the modern world, making it one of the most influential literary movements in history.
1. How does realism portray human life in literature?
Realism in literature presents human life as it truly is, without exaggeration or fantasy. Writers focus on ordinary people, daily struggles, and real-world problems. Instead of portraying heroic figures or magical events, realist literature shows real people with real emotions, making it more relatable to readers.
2. What is the difference between realism and romanticism?
Realism focuses on reality, describing life as it is, while romanticism is based on imagination and idealism, often depicting life as people wish it to be. In realism, characters are flawed and struggle with everyday problems, but in romanticism, they are heroic, adventurous, and often live in fantasy-like settings.
3. How does naturalism differ from realism?
Naturalism is a more extreme form of realism. While realism simply describes life truthfully, naturalism goes further by showing how people are controlled by their environment, social conditions, and heredity. It suggests that people have little free will and are shaped by external forces like poverty and fate.
4. Why is modernist literature considered experimental?
Modernist literature is experimental because it breaks away from traditional storytelling. Instead of clear plots and structured narration, it uses stream-of-consciousness techniques, fragmented storytelling, and shifting perspectives. Writers like James Joyce and Virginia Woolf created complex works that explored human thoughts in an unfiltered manner.
5. What themes are common in modernist literature?
Modernist literature often deals with themes of isolation, uncertainty, alienation, and existential crises. It reflects the struggles of individuals trying to find meaning in a rapidly changing world. These works question traditional beliefs and emphasize personal experiences rather than universal truths.
6. How did industrialization influence modernist literature?
Industrialization changed the way people lived and worked, making life more fast-paced and disconnected. Modernist literature reflected this change by portraying characters who felt lost and uncertain in the modern world. Many modernist works depict cities as cold and impersonal, showing how technology and progress created both opportunities and anxieties.
7. What role does stream-of-consciousness play in modernist literature?
Stream-of-consciousness is a narrative technique that allows readers to enter the minds of characters and experience their thoughts as they come, often without clear structure or logical flow. Writers like James Joyce and Virginia Woolf used this technique to explore the complexities of human emotions and mental states.
8. Why do naturalist writers focus on the struggles of lower-class individuals?
Naturalist writers believe that social conditions, environment, and heredity shape human lives. They often focus on poor and working-class characters to show how difficult circumstances trap people in poverty and suffering. Their stories highlight the harsh realities of life and the lack of control individuals have over their destinies.
9. What impact did Charles Darwin’s theory have on naturalist literature?
Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution influenced naturalist writers by making them see human behavior as a result of biology and environment rather than free will. Naturalist literature often portrays people as victims of their genetic traits and surroundings, unable to change their fates despite their efforts.
10. Why do modernist writers reject traditional storytelling methods?
Modernist writers believed that traditional storytelling could not capture the complexities of modern life. They experimented with fragmented narratives, multiple viewpoints, and psychological depth to reflect how individuals experience the world in different and often confusing ways.
References
- Realism in Literature: Definition & Examples
This resource provides a comprehensive overview of literary realism, discussing its characteristics, history, and notable examples.
https://www.supersummary.com/realism/ - Naturalism in Literature: Definition & Examples
This page offers an in-depth look at naturalism, explaining its origins, key features, and prominent works associated with the movement.
https://www.supersummary.com/naturalism/ - Realism – Examples and Definition of Realism
An article that defines realism in literature and provides examples to illustrate its application in various works.
https://literarydevices.net/realism/ - Naturalism – Examples and Definition of Naturalism
This resource explains naturalism as a literary genre, highlighting its defining characteristics and offering examples from literature.
https://literarydevices.net/naturalism/ - Literary Realism – Wikipedia
The Wikipedia entry on literary realism provides a detailed exploration of the movement, including its historical context and influence.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literary_realism - Naturalism (Literature) – Wikipedia
This Wikipedia article delves into the naturalism movement in literature, discussing its philosophical underpinnings and notable authors.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naturalism_(literature) - Realism in American Literature, 1860-1890
Hosted by Washington State University, this page focuses on the development of realism in American literature during the late 19th century.
https://public.wsu.edu/~campbelld/amlit/realism.htm
- Naturalism in American Literature
Also from Washington State University, this resource examines the characteristics and examples of naturalism in American literary works.
https://public.wsu.edu/~campbelld/amlit/natural.htm
