Naturalism in Literature

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how, in metaphysical theory, naturalism is a term used to refer to the idea that all things can be explained by natural phenomena, rather than supernatural ones, and how this theory holds that the universe is a vast machine with no interest or cause beyond itself. It analyzes this theory in relation to the books, "In Our Time" by Ernest Hemingway, "As I Lay Dying" by William Faulkner, and "Babylon Revisited" by F. Scott Fitzgerald. In all three works, it shows how naturalism is depicted not only through language, but also through the subject matter, since all the protagonists have forces against them, which are equally outside of their control.

From the Paper:

"The subject of Hemingway's stories is World War I, a subject often written about at the time. What set Hemingway's stories apart from the others are his naturalistic style, as well as the philosophical concerns of this theory. The war is depicted as something beyond the control of the main characters. It is also confusing, as demonstrated through the author's narrative flow, which is often confusing. The main character in many of the stories is Nick Adams. Nick, like the rest of the characters, is often at the mercy of forces outside himself. These include not only universal forces, but also the forces within society. His early lessons in "Indian Camp" for example are due to social forces beyond his control, as is the War."

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