Question

Naturalism is:

• A. A synonym for realism
• B. Interest in natural beauty
• C. Description of the natural world
• D. Depiction of life determined by heredity and social environment

Hint:

A simple formula to remember is: Naturalism = Realism + Determinism. While Realism shows life as it is, Naturalism shows life as it is because of forces beyond individual control. Key authors include Émile Zola, Frank Norris, and Stephen Crane.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks for the defining characteristic of Naturalism as a literary movement.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{Naturalism emerged in the late 19th century as an offshoot of Realism. While it shares Realism's goal of depicting life truthfully, it is not simply a synonym. } \\ \bullet & \text{The core philosophy of Naturalism is determinism. It posits that characters' lives and fates are controlled by forces they cannot control, such as heredity (their biological makeup), social environment (their economic and social conditions), and raw human instincts. } \\ \bullet & \text{Therefore, Naturalism is best described as a depiction of life determined by these inescapable forces. It often features characters from the lower classes struggling for survival in a hostile or indifferent universe. } \\ \bullet & \text{Options (B) and (C) are incorrect as they confuse Naturalism with an interest in nature, which is more characteristic of Romanticism. } \\ \end{array}\]

Step 3: Final Answer:
The most accurate definition is provided in option (D).