Naturalism vs. Realism in Literature: Key Differences Explained

Naturalism is a literary movement that emphasizes the scientific study of human behavior and the environment in which it occurs. It's a more extreme form of realism, in which characters are depicted as products of their environment and their actions are determined by their biological and social conditions.

Realism, on the other hand, is a literary movement that attempts to portray life as it really is, without idealization or romanticism. It focuses on the everyday experiences of ordinary people and often features characters who are flawed and imperfect.

While both Naturalism and Realism are concerned with portraying reality, Naturalism takes a more deterministic view of human behavior and emphasizes the role of biology and environment in shaping character and action. Realism, on the other hand, is more concerned with the individual's experience of reality and the challenges they face in navigating it.