What is the Difference Between Realism and Naturalism?

Realism and Naturalism are two distinct movements in literature, film, theater, and art that emerged in the 19th century. They share some similarities but have key differences in their approach to depicting reality:

• Realism attempts to depict things as they actually are, focusing on the appearance of reality and avoiding idealization or romanticization. It emerged as a response to the previously dominant aesthetic of romanticism. Realists believe that characters and their destinies are determined by those characters' free will. Examples of realist works include "A Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen.
• Naturalism also aims to depict things realistically, but it focuses on determinism, or the inability of people to resist their circumstances. Naturalism is often considered a type of realism, but it is more pessimistic and emphasizes the powerful, indifferent mechanism of nature. Naturalists believe that characters and their destinies are determined by forces beyond their control. Examples of naturalist works include "McTeague" by Frank Norris.

In summary, both realism and naturalism aim to accurately reflect the real world, but they differ in their philosophical outlook and the degree of control that characters have over their destinies. Realism is more optimistic and focuses on the appearance of reality, while naturalism is more pessimistic and emphasizes the power of nature and determinism.

Comparative Table: Realism vs Naturalism

Here is a table comparing the differences between Realism and Naturalism in literature:

Realism focuses on depicting everyday life and society as it is, without idealization or romanticism, while Naturalism concentrates on the biological, social, and economic aspects of life, portraying how environment, heredity, and social conditions control the human being.