Realism vs. Naturalism: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 7, 2023
Realism focuses on depicting everyday life authentically; naturalism emphasizes the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior.
Key Differences
Realism is an artistic and literary movement that seeks to represent life as it truly is, without artificiality. Naturalism, though similar to realism in representing reality, emphasizes the deterministic role of the environment, biology, and heredity on human behavior.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
In the realm of literature, realism might present a slice-of-life story, showcasing the regular experiences and events of individuals. Naturalism, on the other hand, would delve deeper into the underlying forces affecting those individuals, particularly focusing on the darker, uncontrollable elements guiding their actions.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
Within the arts, a realist painter would aim to depict a scene or subject with precision and accuracy, capturing its physical essence. A naturalist painter, conversely, might emphasize the environmental conditions and their effects on the subject, showcasing nature's dominance.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
Essentially, while realism zeroes in on an objective portrayal of life, naturalism delves into the inevitable forces of nature and biology that shape existence.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Philosophical Underpinning
Depict life as it is
Deterministic outlook, nature and biology shape fate
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
In Literature
Represents regular experiences and events
Highlights uncontrollable elements guiding actions
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
In Art
Captures physical essence of subject
Emphasizes environmental conditions and effects on subject
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
Themes
Daily life, societal issues
Fate, nature's dominance, biological determinism
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Realism and Naturalism Definitions
Realism
An artistic or literary method focusing on true representation.
His novel's realism captured the essence of urban life.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
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Naturalism
A style in art or literature that seeks to depict the natural world and life.
The novel's naturalism was evident in its detailed portrayal of forest life.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
Realism
The quality or fact of representing a person or thing in a way that is true to life.
The realism of her portrait was uncanny.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
Naturalism
A belief that everything arises from natural properties and causes.
Naturalism, as a philosophy, denies the supernatural's existence.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
Realism
The view that physical objects exist independently of our perception.
Philosophers debate realism in terms of our understanding of the world.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
Naturalism
An emphasis on nature as the force determining human behavior.
The play showcased the principle of naturalism by focusing on environmental influences.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
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Realism
A disposition toward accepting facts and the physical reality.
His realism kept the group grounded during their brainstorming session.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
Naturalism
The doctrine that the world can be understood in scientific terms without recourse to spiritual elements.
His belief in naturalism shaped his approach to scientific inquiry.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
Realism
A movement rejecting abstract or romantic treatments.
Realism in the 19th century was a response to Romanticism.
Huma Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
Naturalism
Artistic portrayal focusing on the raw, uncensored conditions of life.
The painting's stark naturalism drew attention to the struggles of the working class.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Naturalism
The practice of describing precisely the actual circumstances of human life in literature.
Sumera Saeed
Jun 11, 2019
Realism
The representation in art or literature of objects, actions, or social conditions as they actually are, without idealization or presentation in abstract form.
Sumera Saeed
Jun 11, 2019
Naturalism
The practice of reproducing subjects as precisely as possible in the visual arts.
Sumera Saeed
Jun 11, 2019
Realism
The scholastic doctrine, opposed to nominalism, that universals exist independently of their being thought.
Sumera Saeed
Jun 11, 2019
FAQs
How does realism treat character development?
Realism focuses on developing complex characters with genuine, authentic emotions and experiences.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
What defines naturalism?
Naturalism is a literary movement that applies scientific principles of objectivity and detachment to the study of human beings.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
Is realism relevant in contemporary literature?
Yes, realism continues to influence contemporary literature by emphasizing authentic depictions of life and character.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Do modern works still embody naturalism?
Yes, modern works may explore naturalistic themes, examining the influence of environment and heredity on individuals.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
When did realism begin?
Realism began in the 19th century as a reaction against romanticism.
Huma Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
Who are prominent realist authors?
Notable realist authors include Gustave Flaubert, Leo Tolstoy, and George Eliot.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
What impact did naturalism have on psychology and sociology?
Naturalism influenced the study of human behavior, emphasizing environmental factors and determinism in shaping individuals and societies.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
How do realism and naturalism treat fate and free will?
Realism often recognizes an individual's agency, while naturalism is more likely to view characters as subject to deterministic forces beyond their control.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
Do realism and naturalism share thematic elements?
Yes, both often explore themes related to the human condition, society, and everyday struggles.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
How did realism influence art?
Realism influenced art by prioritizing accuracy, details, and observable reality over idealized depictions.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
What is realism?
Realism is a literary and artistic movement emphasizing accurate and detailed depiction of real life.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
Is realism limited to literature?
No, realism extends to various art forms, including painting and theatre.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 07, 2023
Who are key figures in naturalism?
Émile Zola, Stephen Crane, and Theodore Dreiser are notable naturalistic writers.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
How does naturalism perceive human nature?
Naturalism often perceives humans as being shaped by environment, heredity, and chance.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
How are realism and naturalism similar?
Both movements aim to accurately portray real life, often focusing on everyday experiences and surroundings.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
What differentiates realism from naturalism?
Realism focuses on an accurate depiction of life, while naturalism introduces a more scientific and deterministic perspective on human behavior.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Can you name a prominent realist novel?
"Madame Bovary" by Gustave Flaubert is a seminal work of realism.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
When did naturalism originate?
Naturalism originated in the late 19th century, evolving from realism.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Does naturalism focus more on the upper or lower class?
Naturalism commonly explores the lives and struggles of the lower class.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
Give an example of a naturalistic work.
"Sister Carrie" by Theodore Dreiser is a notable example of naturalistic literature.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
