Naturalism Defined

In Naturalism, much scientific exploration and theorizing is involved (Lipking). Various authors used the Naturalistic style to convey a scientific, yet methodical approach toward literature. In the article "Naturalism," by Lawrence Lipking, Naturalism is stated to retain an "attempt to apply scientific theory and methods to imaginative writing...in literature." This statement justifies the prominence of Scientific theorizing in the literary community. Naturalism writing has been most commonly used in novel and drama formats (Lipking). Being a style of Realism, Naturalism retains much similarities that Realist writers would use in their pieces. Although the style of writing coexists with its predecessor, Naturalism obtains the use of science and methodical theorizing.

Common in the 1800's and 1900's, Naturalism used common aspects of literature which were previously prominent (Lipking). The style of writing, accompanied by other varied formats, obtained the use of realistic structure. This realistic form of writing allowed for much factual material to be provided; material which only further conveys the altering time periods in literature. Realism entered the literary community with much force, predisposing future styles of writing; Naturalism being one of these. Naturalism, a specified type of Realism, justified initial intentions of its predecessor. The similar form of writing used science and factual reasoning to perceive and succeed in its goal. Much like that of a Realist piece, A Naturalistic piece allows for much recognition and literal agreement. Among many qualities, both styles of writing adequately display an unaccompanied perspective or angle toward the actuality of a literary piece.

Observation, being a common aspect of Realistic writing, is commonly used in a Naturalistic setting. Naturalists "believe that knowledge is acquired through the senses, and that the function of the writer is to report accurately what he or she observes" (Lipking). This is a prominent function of most Naturalism pieces, being that one is intended to observe and adequately display factual descriptions and events; allowing for little fictitious occurrences in a literary piece. In the above quote, the ability of a Naturalistic writer is through his or her "senses," which can again be claimed as retaining much support due to its undeniable actuality (Lipking). With this in mind, much of Naturalism can be effectively displayed in a Naturalistic piece, justifying any prominence between the previous literary style.

Lipking, Lawrence. "Naturalism." World Book Advanced. World Book, 2011. Web. 8 Feb. 2011.