Explanations 
Flashcards 
StudySmarter IA 
Notes 
Study Plans 
Study Sets 
Exams 
Magazine 
Find a job 
Mobile App 
Jump to a key chapter
Definition of Italian Naturalism
Italian Naturalism is a literary and artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th century in Italy. It focuses on a realistic depiction of everyday life and the natural world, emphasising the impact of environment and heredity on human beings.
Origins and Influences
The origins of Italian Naturalism can be traced back to the influence of French naturalist writers like Émile Zola. Italian writers sought to capture the world around them with the same level of detail and realism.
The movement was also influenced by scientific discoveries of the time, particularly those related to Darwinism and social sciences.
Darwinism: A theory of biological evolution developed by Charles Darwin, suggesting that all species of organisms arise and develop through natural selection.
Key Characteristics
Italian Naturalism is characterised by several key elements:
- Realism: A focus on realistic descriptions of everyday life.
- Determinism: The idea that people's fate is determined by heredity and environment.
- Social Issues: An exploration of social issues such as poverty, class struggles, and injustice.
An example of Italian Naturalism can be found in Giovanni Verga's novel I Malavoglia. The book portrays the lives of a struggling fishing family, shedding light on the hardships and social conditions of the time.
Notable Figures
Several notable figures have contributed significantly to the Italian Naturalism movement:
- Giovanni Verga: Considered the pioneer of Italian Naturalism.
- Federico De Roberto: Known for depicting the Sicilian aristocracy.
- Luigi Capuana: An influential writer and theorist of Naturalism.
Luigi Capuana's contribution to Italian Naturalism goes beyond his literary works. He was also an ardent critic and theorist. His essays on Naturalism helped shape the direction of Italian literature during the late 19th century. Capuana emphasised the importance of scientific observation and objectivity in literature, aligning closely with the principles of the naturalist movement. His theoretical works provided a foundation for other writers, acting as a bridge between Italian traditions and the new wave of literary realism.
Italian Naturalism often overlaps with the Verismo movement, which also focused on realistic depictions of life, particularly in opera.
Italian Naturalism in Literature
Italian Naturalism in literature is known for its realistic portrayal of everyday life and an emphasis on the influences of environment and heredity. This movement began in Italy in the late 19th century, drawing from scientific principles and contemporary social issues.
Origins and Influences
The origins of Italian Naturalism are influenced by French naturalist writers such as Émile Zola. Italian writers adopted new narrative techniques to accurately describe the world around them. The movement was also shaped by scientific advancements, particularly Darwinism and the social sciences.
- French Naturalism: Provided the framework for Italian Naturalism.
- Scientific Discoveries: Particularly in relation to biological evolution and social sciences.
Darwinism: A theory of biological evolution developed by Charles Darwin, suggesting that all species of organisms arise and develop through natural selection.
Key Characteristics
Italian Naturalism is defined by several key characteristics:
- Realism: Detailed and unsentimental depiction of everyday life.
- Determinism: Belief that human behaviour is shaped by environment and heredity.
- Focus on Social Issues: Exploration of themes like poverty, class struggles, and justice.
An example of Italian Naturalism can be found in Giovanni Verga's novel I Malavoglia. The book captures the life of a fishing family dealing with economic and social challenges, illustrating the harsh realities of the time.
Notable Figures
Some key figures in Italian Naturalism include:
- Giovanni Verga: A leading pioneer of the movement.
- Federico De Roberto: Known for his portrayal of the Sicilian aristocracy.
- Luigi Capuana: An influential writer and critic.
Luigi Capuana's contributions to Italian Naturalism extend beyond his written works. As both a writer and critic, Capuana was instrumental in defining the movement's principles. His essays and critiques provided a theoretical foundation for Naturalism, and he strongly advocated for the incorporation of scientific observation and objectivity in literature. Capuana's work bridged the gap between Italian traditional literature and modern literary realism.
Italian Naturalism often intersects with the Verismo movement, which has a similar focus on realistic depictions of life, especially in operas.
Themes of Italian Naturalism
Italian Naturalism explores a range of themes that highlight the complexities of human life and the influence of external factors on individuals. These themes are integral to understanding the movement's focus and objectives.
Realism
Realism is a core theme of Italian Naturalism. Writers aim to present life as it is, without embellishment or idealisation. This commitment to authenticity means depicting both the beauty and harshness of daily life.
- Characters are often depicted in their natural environments.
- Stories focus on ordinary people and their struggles.
Realism contrasts with Romanticism, which often idealises its characters and settings.
Determinism
Determinism is another significant theme in Italian Naturalism. This theme suggests that human behaviour and fate are determined by external factors such as heredity and environment.
| Factor | Impact |
| Heredity | Traits and conditions inherited from ancestors. |
| Environment | External conditions influencing life and behaviour. |
An example of determinism is seen in Verga's I Malavoglia, where the characters' misfortunes are depicted as consequences of their social and economic conditions.
Focus on Social Issues
Italian Naturalism often addresses social issues such as poverty, class struggles, and injustice. By highlighting these problems, writers aimed to raise awareness and provoke thought among their readers.
- Poverty: Representation of the struggles of the lower class.
- Class Struggles: Examination of conflicts between different social classes.
- Injustice: Highlighting the unfair aspects of society.
Giovanni Verga's contribution to Italian Naturalism is significant in his portrayal of social issues. In his works, characters are often portrayed as victims of societal structures and their own circumstances. Verga did not shy away from depicting the severe impact of poverty and social injustice, offering readers a stark and honest view of the world. His detailed narratives provide a rich source of information about the social and economic conditions of Italy during his time, making his works an essential study for those interested in literature and social history.
Scientific Observation
Scientific observation is a method used by naturalist writers to enhance their depiction of reality. This involves meticulous attention to detail and an objective approach to studying characters and their environments.
- Attention to Detail: Describing settings and actions with high accuracy.
- Objective Approach: Avoiding authorial bias and letting the facts speak for themselves.
Scientific observation in literature was inspired by advancements in sciences like biology and sociology.
Examples of Italian Naturalism
Italian Naturalism is a rich literary movement with numerous examples that illustrate its principles. These examples offer valuable insights into the themes and methodologies employed by writers within the movement.
Italian Naturalism Explained
Italian Naturalism centres on the depiction of real-life conditions and the impact of environment and heredity on individuals. This literary movement seeks to portray life with meticulous realism and a scientific approach.
- Realism: Detailed depiction of everyday settings and behaviours.
- Determinism: Exploration of how external factors shape human actions.
- Social Commentary: Critique of social injustices and inequalities.
An excellent example of Italian Naturalism is Giovanni Verga's novel I Malavoglia, which narrates the struggles of a fishing family facing economic hardships. It vividly captures the essence of naturalist themes like determinism and social issues.
Italian Naturalism Meaning
Italian Naturalism: A literary and artistic movement that aims to depict reality accurately and scientifically, often exploring the effects of environment and heredity on human behaviour.
The meaning of Italian Naturalism goes beyond mere storytelling. It encompasses:
- Objective Observation: Adopting a scientific and unbiased approach to narratives.
- Authentic Representation: Reflecting the true nature of society and human experiences.
Italian Naturalism often intersects with other movements like Verismo, especially in opera.
Prominent Authors in Italian Naturalism
Several authors played pivotal roles in the development and propagation of Italian Naturalism. Their works are quintessential to understanding the movement.
- Giovanni Verga: Considered the pioneer, best known for I Malavoglia.
- Federico De Roberto: Notable for his depictions of the Sicilian aristocracy.
- Luigi Capuana: A writer and theorist who championed Naturalism's principles.
Luigi Capuana's influence on Italian Naturalism extends beyond his literary works. He was also a prominent critic, providing a theoretical foundation for the movement. Capuana's essays emphasised the importance of scientific objectivity and detailed observation in literature, helping to shape the direction of Italian naturalistic writing.
Influence of Italian Naturalism
Italian Naturalism has had a profound influence on both literature and other forms of art, shaping the ways in which realism is represented and appreciated.
| Area of Influence | Impact |
| Literature | Encouraged the depiction of realistic settings and socio-economic issues. |
| Art | Inspired artists to capture everyday life and natural conditions with greater accuracy. |
| Social Awareness | Raised public awareness about prevalent social injustices. |
The influence of Italian Naturalism can be seen in contemporary realist literature and cinema that focus on the gritty details of life.
Italian naturalism - Key takeaways
- Definition of Italian Naturalism: A literary and artistic movement from late 19th century Italy, focusing on realistic depictions of everyday life and the influence of environment and heredity on humans.
- Italian Naturalism Influences: Originated from French naturalist writers like Émile Zola and was influenced by scientific discoveries, particularly Darwinism.
- Key Characteristics: Includes realism, determinism, and a focus on social issues like poverty and class struggles.
- Prominent Authors: Pioneers such as Giovanni Verga, Federico De Roberto, and Luigi Capuana, known for their realistic portrayals and theoretical contributions.
- Examples of Italian Naturalism: Notable works include Giovanni Verga's novel I Malavoglia, highlighting the struggles of a fishing family.
Learn with 12 Italian naturalism flashcards in the free StudySmarter app
Already have an account? Log in
Frequently Asked Questions about Italian naturalism
Test your knowledge with multiple choice flashcards
YOUR SCORE
Your score
Join the StudySmarter App and learn efficiently with millions of flashcards and more!
Learn with 12 Italian naturalism flashcards in the free StudySmarter app
Already have an account? Log in
About StudySmarter
StudySmarter is a globally recognized educational technology company, offering a holistic learning platform designed for students of all ages and educational levels. Our platform provides learning support for a wide range of subjects, including STEM, Social Sciences, and Languages and also helps students to successfully master various tests and exams worldwide, such as GCSE, A Level, SAT, ACT, Abitur, and more. We offer an extensive library of learning materials, including interactive flashcards, comprehensive textbook solutions, and detailed explanations. The cutting-edge technology and tools we provide help students create their own learning materials. StudySmarter’s content is not only expert-verified but also regularly updated to ensure accuracy and relevance.
Learn more