文化艺术中的现实主义和自然主义（英文） .doc

Realism and Naturalism in Art and Literature 文化艺术中的现实主义和自然主义 中文系 谢琳琳 000114156 Before comparing these two cultural schools, we had better ascertain their definitions. Realism,?in?art?and?literature, is an attempt to describe human behavior and surroundings or to represent figures and objects exactly as they act or appear in life. Naturalism, the term usually used in literature, refers to the theory that literary composition should be based on an objective, empirical presentation of human beings. The two terms are often used interchangeably, as they share so many similarities: ⅠAnti-romanticism In art, realism is a recurrent theme that becomes a coherent movement after 1850; and even then it struggles against the overwhelming popularity of romanticism. Impressionism can be seen as a development that grew out of realism, but in its turn still had to battle the more popular romanticism. In the scope of literature, realism also marks a radical break with romanticism. In?general,?the main tenet of realism is that writers must not select facts in accord with preconceived aesthetic or ethical ideals but must set down their observations impartially and objectively. Naturalism, a logical extension of realism, proceeds from an analysis of reality in terms of natural forces, e.g., heredity, environment, and physical drives. Its representative writer, émile Zola, undeniably infused French fiction with a refreshing vigor, giving it a tough, powerful edge far removed from the vaporings of high romanticism. Without altogether banishing romanticism, have realism and naturalism had considerable success. ⅡMain scope Their most important influences have been on literature, especially lengthy novels. Novelist Honoré de Balzac is generally hailed as the grandfather of literary realism in the long series of novels and stories he titled La Comédie humaine (The Human Comedy). Like such a television series, his works also incorporated a device for maintaining his audience: the continual