Jack London content introduction bob naturalism (1880s 1940s)

What is Naturalism in English literature?
Naturalism (1865-1914) was a literary movement that focused on the 
objective and detached observation of human nature using scientific 
principles. 
What are the characteristics of Naturalism in literature?
Naturalism has a few key characteristics to look for. These characteristics 
include a focus on setting, objectivism and detachment, pessimism, and 
determinism. 
Who are the major Naturalist authors?
A few Naturalist authors include Emile Zola, Henry James, and William 
Faulkner. 
What is an example of Naturalism in literature?
The Call of the Wild
(1903) by Jack London is an example of Naturalism 
Who is a prominent writer in Naturalism?
Emile Zola is a prominent Naturalist
ELA Common Core Standards Covered 
Teaching Naturalism in Literature and instructing students to find 
aspects of Naturalism in the literature they read covers the following 
ELA Common Core Standards. 

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1.
RL.9-10.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support 
analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn 
from the text. 
2.
RL.9-10.2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in 
detail its development over the course of the text, including how it 
emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an 
objective summary of the text. 
3.
W.9-10.9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to 
support analysis, reflection, and research. 
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Ever feel like education’s become a Naturalist “survival of the fittest” 
adventure? Feel like you’re getting more stuff to do with less time and 
resources to do it? This downloadable/printable pdf might help. 
Introducing Naturalism 
After hearing the same 13 excuses for nearly an entire year, I decided to 
introduce Naturalism as follows: 
1.
Ask if any student at any point in the semester didn‟t do a 
homework assignment. Ninety-eight percent will raise their hand. 

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2.
Assign each student to write a one page note excusing their missing 
assignment. The excuse must clearly show that the missing 
homework assignment was not their fault and that circumstances 
beyond their control caused the assignment not to be turned in. 
3.
Collect the excuses and tell the class they have experienced 
Naturalism. 
4.
Tell the class that each student who completed the assignment will 
have their zero replaced by an „A‟. 
5.
On the way to your desk, trip and “accidentally” throw the papers in 
a trash can. 
6.
Explain that due to circumstances beyond your control the zeroes 
will remain. 
7.
Tell the class they have once again experienced Literary Naturalism. 
8.
Laugh really hard. 
9.
Discuss the notes below. 
10.
Tell your colleagues what you did. 
11.
Laugh Really Hard. 
12.
Park in your garage. 
Naturalism is a literary movement of the late 19th and early 20th 
century, characterized by the application of scientific determinism to 
literature. The assumption with Naturalism is that everything that is real 
exists in nature. Realism and Naturalism are often linked due to their 
emphasis on realistic people in realistic settings, featuring ordinary 
people struggling against unseen forces over which they have no control. 
Realism and Naturalism differ insomuch that Realism focuses on literary 
technique whereas Naturalism focuses on a specific philosophy. 

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Naturalist writers include Stephen Crane, Jack London, John Steinbeck, 
John Dos Passos, Theodore Dreisser, George Eliot, Thomas Hardy, 
Edith Wharton, Joel Chandler Harris. 
Naturalism Notes