I am writing a paper for The Red Badge of Courage and it says to talk about naturalism and where it was represented in the book and I'm having a bit of trouble. I understand what naturalism is and everything, I just can't find an example from the book where it was represented.

You should find a lot of ideas in theses sites.

http://www.google.com/#q=naturalism+red+badge+of+courage

I've already went through a few pages but the definition my lesson gave me was different than the ones that are mentioned in the ones I saw. I have that it means 'the philosophy that the actions of a person are predetermined by factors outside of him or her' but what I was seeing was different.

Go to Google and type in define: naturalism

1. (in art and literature) a style and theory of representation based on the accurate depiction of detail.

2. a philosophical viewpoint according to which everything arises from natural properties and causes, and supernatural or spiritual explanations are excluded or discounted.


What you have stated above is not what I remember studying as "naturalism"! You should have no problems finding examples of naturalism in that book.

When analyzing a literary work like The Red Badge of Courage through the lens of a specific literary movement such as naturalism, it can sometimes be challenging to identify specific examples. However, I can provide you with guidance on how to find and analyze examples of naturalism in the book.

1. Understand the basic principles of naturalism: Naturalism, as a literary movement, emphasizes a deterministic view of human beings, portraying them as subject to forces beyond their control, such as nature, heredity, and societal influences. It often explores themes of survival, individual struggles, and the harsh realities of life.

2. Revisit the text: Go back to The Red Badge of Courage and pay attention to the author's descriptions and character portrayals. Look for instances where nature or the environment plays a significant role in affecting or determining the characters' actions or outcomes.

3. Examine character behavior: Analyze the characters' behaviors and decisions to see if they align with the principles of naturalism. Look for instances where characters slip into survival-mode, act impulsively out of fear, or face circumstances beyond their control. Consider Henry's internal struggles and his reactions to the brutalities of war as potential examples.

4. Notice the depiction of the environment: Look for descriptions of the natural world, such as landscapes or battle scenes, and consider how they reflect the naturalistic worldview. Pay attention to details that illustrate the harshness, indifference, or overwhelming power of nature in relation to human struggles.

5. Explore the historical context: To understand naturalism's influence on The Red Badge of Courage, consider the time period in which the story takes place. The novel is set during the American Civil War, a historical event often associated with the deterministic aspects of naturalism.

6. Seek critical analysis and scholarly sources: Consult literary criticism and scholarly articles on The Red Badge of Courage to gain insights from experts. These sources can help you expand your understanding of naturalism in the novel and provide specific examples to support your analysis.

By employing these strategies, you should be able to identify examples of naturalism in The Red Badge of Courage and effectively incorporate them into your paper. Remember, it may require careful reading and analysis to find the most suitable examples that align with naturalistic principles.