English & American

Literature
LECTURER: CALUM LEATHAM UNIT 3
Todays Seminar
Part 1 Part 2

Realism Defined Focus Group Work

Naturalism Defined
Focus Group Presentation
Discussion
Focus Group Presentation
Naturalism & Realism: Starting Discussion

1. What is Naturalism & Realism?

2. Is The Prince And The Pauper a work of Naturalism or Realism?
3. Is South of the Slot a work of Naturalism or Realism?
 Realism Defined
 Realism is a late 19th century art and literacy movement that
emerged in response to the ideals of Romanticism (late 18th
century and early 19th century).
Realism attempts to present the world as it is, without
idealization or distortion.
 Realism often involves detailed descriptive settings, characters
or events to give the piece a feeling of authenticity. Accent
authenticity included!
 Realism typically has have themes of social disparity or are a
critique of class, inequality, poverty and social norms. ‘A political
weapon’
William Dean Howells: Romanticism “ makes one forget life and all its
cares and duties…. [Novels] should make you think… and shame you into
wishing to be a more helpful creature than you are”.
19th Century America
Post-Civil War Realities:
The American Civil War (1861-1865) profoundly affected the
nation. The war's aftermath, Reconstruction, and the challenges
faced by a nation trying to heal and rebuild contributed to the
desire for a more realistic portrayal of the American experience.
Over 600,000 American Soldiers were killed.

Industrialization and Social Inequities:

The industrial revolution in America led to economic growth, but
it also brought about social disparities and labor issues.
The rise of industrialized capitalism: long working hours for little
pay.
Realism Discussion

In what ways is The Prince and The Pauper an

example of Realism?
Naturalism Defined
 Naturalism is a late 19th century literacy and artistic movement that arguably emerged as an
extension of realism.
Naturalist works often explore the influence of external forces, such as family, environment,
and social conditions, on human behavior and destiny.
 Naturalists believe that individuals are shaped by external forces outside of their control.
Predestined outcomes.
 Life is typically illustrated as a struggle with challenges that are often impossible to overcome.
 Similar to realism, naturalism often involves a critique of societal norms, institutions, and the
impact of social and economic conditions on individuals. Issues such as poverty, class disparity,
and the struggles of the working class are common themes.
19th Century America
Scientific Influence:
Naturalist writers were influenced by scientific advancements, especially the theories of Charles
Darwin and the idea of evolution.
Charles Darwin's theory of evolution suggested that species evolve over time based on natural
selection and adaptation. Naturalist writers applied these principles to human behavior,
emphasizing the impact of heredity and environment on individuals' development and destinies.
Influence of Realism:
Naturalism evolved from realism, which focused on portraying everyday life. While realism
sought to present life accurately, naturalism took it a step further by examining the scientific and
deterministic aspects of human existence.
 Naturalism Vs Realism
Philosophical:
 Realism focuses on the everyday experiences of ordinary people with a focus on depicting reality.
 Naturalism follows a similar approach but applies a scientific perspective that examines the external factors
of what shapes a persons life. Destiny and darker tones are usually the focus.
View of Humanity:
Realism often views humanity and society from an optimistic perspective. Life is harsh for many of the
characters but the writers emphasize potential for positive changes and the impact individuals have on
changing society. Often realism has a balanced view of humanity and society, seeing both the good and bad
and examining multiple classes of people. .
 Naturalism take a more deterministic (fate) perspective of humanity. Characters are victims of circumstances
and are shaped by factors outside of their control. Naturalism typically focuses solely on the negatives of
society and humanity, with a focus on the lower classes.
Naturalism Vs Realism
Characters:
 Realism typically have characters that illustrate a range of human qualities with their actions
being influenced by their own choices and motivations.
Naturalism have characters who are influenced by their environment. These characters are
trapped in a cycle of fate, with their actions already determined for them by forces outside of their
control.
The good and bad:
Realism often has a more optimistic (positive) perspective of life. While the authors express the
harsh reality of poverty, etc.. Their works have underline tones of positive potential changes and
human improvement.
Naturalism is typically more pessimistic (negative). The works have darker tones and often the
characters outcomes will be predetermined and bleak.
Realism Discussion

In what ways is South of the Slot an example of

Naturalism?
Realism Discussion

How are the differences between rich and poor people

shown in "The Prince and the Pauper" and "South of the
Slot"?

Look at how the writers, Mark Twain and Jack London,

talk about the characters' lives and the places they live.
Focus Group Work 2
Extra Assignments
Read Chapter Setting in the Handbook
Watch: Gone with the Wind (1939).

Essay 1: 300-500 words. Choose either:

1. How does the conflict in "South of the Slot" embody naturalistic themes of determinism and
societal influence on individual destinies?

2. How does Mark Twain use identity exchange in "The Prince and the Pauper" to examine social
inequality?