Comparative Analysis of Naturalism and Realism

In the late 19th century, two significant movements emerged in literature: Naturalism and Realism. Naturalism emphasized a detached and scientific approach to storytelling, portraying life with an emphasis on the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior. Authors such as Émile Zola focused on the harsh realities of life, often depicting characters struggling against their circumstances.

In contrast, Realism aimed to represent everyday life in a more straightforward manner. Writers such as Mark Twain concentrated on authentic characters and dialogue, often illustrating the societal norms and values of their time without heavy emphasis on the influence of nature or destiny.

Both movements sought to depict reality, but their approaches and underlying philosophies differed significantly. Consider these two literary movements to answer the following question.