El NATURALISMO explicado: historia, autores representativos y características

What is Naturalism?

Overview of Naturalism

• Naturalism is an artistic movement, primarily literary, that emerged in France during the late 19th century and spread to Europe and the USA. Its most notable representative was Émile Zola (1840-1902).

Historical Context

• It represents a deepening or radicalization of literary realism and serves as a reaction against the romanticism that dominated literature since the 18th century.

• The movement arose under the growing influence of scientific disciplines and ideological currents such as scientism, positivism, and Marxism.

Philosophical Foundations

• In philosophy, naturalists reject supernatural concepts like God or soul, asserting that all behavior has a natural explanation.

• The 19th century experienced continuous scientific revolutions in fields like mathematics, physics, biology, and medicine alongside rapid technological advancements.

Ideological Influences

• Positivist philosophy gained prominence with a blind faith in science and speculation around Darwin's evolutionary theories.

• Ideas from the French Revolution led to materialism and Marxism forming the ideological basis for naturalism.

Artistic Origins of Naturalism

Reaction Against Romanticism

• Naturalism emerged as a response to romanticism which had dominated art since the late 17th century. It also reacted against aesthetic movements continuing in poetry.

Literary Influences

• Key texts influencing naturalist thought include "La Philosophie du Salon" (1857), "Introduction à l'Étude de la Médecine Expérimentale" (1865), and Émile Zola's "Le Roman Expérimental" (1880).

Characteristics of Naturalistic Literature

Objective Representation

• Naturalistic literature aims for objectivity by avoiding sentimental views; it presents situations without expressing personal opinions.

Scientific Method Application

• Authors sought to apply scientific methods to their works. Zola argued that if experimental methods could be applied in sciences like chemistry or medicine, they should also apply to novels.

Realistic Descriptions

• Descriptions are grounded in reality without embellishment; authors often depict grim realities including grotesque scenes.

Focus on Social Classes

Interest in Lower Classes

• Unlike romanticists, naturalists focused on depicting life among lower classes such as housewives, employees, prostitutes, officials, and small merchants.

Narrative Style

• Aiming for objectivity devoid of lyrical sentimentality; narratives are typically third-person but can include first-person auto-fiction reflecting author ideology despite claims of objectivity.

Naturalist Literary Movement

Emergence in France

• The literary aspect began with authors like Stendhal and Flaubert. Zola’s novel "Thérèse Raquin" (1868) marked its inception while his series "Les Rougon-Macquart" solidified its principles.

Expansion Beyond France

Naturalism in Literature

Overview of Naturalism's Decline and Influence

• Naturalism in literature began to lose prominence in the early 20th century with the rise of literary avant-gardes, yet its core principles remain influential in ideologies like socialist realism and early 20th-century Hispanic novel writing.

Key Representatives and Works of Naturalism

• Émile Zola (France, 1840-1902) is recognized as the founder and main theorist of naturalism, with notable works including "Nana" (1880) and "Germinal" (1885), alongside his extensive project "Les Rougon-Macquart."

• Gustave Flaubert (France, 1821-1880), while primarily known for "Madame Bovary," also contributed to naturalistic literature through his novel "L'Éducation sentimentale" (1869).

• Leo Tolstoy (Russia, 1828-1910) is highlighted for his naturalistic approach in "Anna Karenina" (1877), showcasing deep psychological insights into characters.

• Benito Pérez Galdós (Spain, 1843-1920), often regarded as one of the greatest Spanish writers after Cervantes, produced significant naturalist novels such as "La desheredada" (1881) and "Fortunata y Jacinta" (1887).

Prominent Spanish Authors Advocating Naturalism

• Emilia Pardo Bazán (Spain, 1851-1921), a multifaceted author who promoted naturalism in Spain through her works like "La tribuna" (1883) and "Los pasos de Ulloa" (1887).

• Leopoldo Alas Clarín (Spain, 1852-1901), a key figure in disseminating naturalist ideas in Spain; he is best known for his novel "La Regenta" (1885).

International Influences on Naturalism

• George Moore (Ireland, 1852-1933), influenced by Zola during his time in Paris; his work “A Woman of No Importance” reflects naturalistic themes.

• Thomas Hardy (England, 1840–1928), whose narratives are marked by pessimism; notable works include “Jude the Obscure” from 1895.

American Contributions to Naturalism