Naturalism was a major literary movement of the late 1800s that focused on the concept of realism to give reason that conditions of social society, heredity, and the environment had a great influence on how the human character was formed. In the United States, there have been many profound authors who have published their own literary works on the concept of naturalism, including Stephen Crane, John Steinbeck, and Edith Wharton. All three authors have published their works and have made great contributions to the study of this topic. The main influence of naturalistic writing in the United States was the growing cities on the east coast, and the rising number of immigrants that populated them. When writing about naturalism, it is often said that the authors are too frank with their explanations of this theory. The authors write about the cruelties of life including sex, racism, and disease. They would often be criticized for this and told they were "too blunt" in their writing. In defense of the writers, it is a topic of great controversy and speaks to the people about everyday life and the struggles that come with it. Even though some may not prefer this theory, they must recognize the basic concept and common acceptance.
A great foreign influence of naturalistic writing was Emile Zola from France. Naturalism in France was defined as programmatic. This theory suggested that the sole purpose was based on scientific beliefs and reasoning. The basis of it was also supported by, according to Zola, "nerves and blood." Naturalism is one of the branches of literary realism, which was most prominent in France, in the mid-nineteenth-century. .
A major influence of this movement was a man by the name of Charles Darwin. Darwin was born on February 12, 1809 in Shrewsbury, England. He grew up to be one of the most influential naturalists and theorists the world has seen. The publication of his literary work, On the Origin of Species, made the rest of the naturalistic world pause and consider the superlative points that were brought up through this literary masterpiece.
