One main characteristic is determinism. In American naturalism novels, characters are often seen as being controlled by their environment, heredity or social forces. For example, in 'Sister Carrie', Carrie's fate is greatly influenced by the urban environment and the social class system she is in.
One characteristic is the emphasis on determinism. In naturalism short stories, characters are often seen as being controlled by their environment, heredity, or social forces. For example, in 'The Open Boat', the men's fate seems to be determined by the unforgiving sea.
Naturalism short stories typically have a deterministic view. This means that the outcome for the characters seems pre - determined by factors like their social class, environment, and biological instincts. For instance, in many such stories, characters from lower social classes are often shown as being trapped in their situations with little hope of escape. Also, these stories usually present a gritty and realistic view of life, not shying away from showing the harshness and brutality of existence. They might depict poverty, violence, or the struggle for survival in a very matter - of - fact way.
One of the great American naturalism novels is 'McTeague' by Frank Norris. It shows the brutal and deterministic side of life. Also, 'An American Tragedy' by Theodore Dreiser is a significant work. It delves into the complex web of social forces and personal desires that lead to the downfall of the protagonist, Clyde Griffiths. Dreiser's detailed descriptions of the social environment and the characters' inner struggles are very characteristic of American naturalism.
One main characteristic is the blurring of boundaries. For example, the distinction between high and low culture is often erased. Authors might incorporate elements of popular culture like comic books or TV shows into their novels. Another is the use of fragmented narratives. Instead of a linear plot, the story might be told in bits and pieces, jumping back and forth in time. Also, self - reflexivity is common, where the novel may draw attention to its own fictional nature, like a character in the story commenting on the act of writing the story itself.
A sense of place is also important. 'The Grapes of Wrath' by Steinbeck, for instance, vividly portrays the Dust Bowl and the journey of the migrant workers. It shows the hardships of the American people during a particular time period, and how the land and the environment shaped their lives. This connection between the characters and their environment is a common trait in 'the awakening american novels'.
American gothic novels often feature isolated protagonists. These characters are cut off from the outside world, either physically or emotionally. This isolation heightens the sense of horror and the feeling that there is no escape. The settings are not just spooky but also symbolic. For instance, an old, run - down church might symbolize the decay of religious values in the community. There are also often elements of madness, where characters' minds are slowly unravelling due to the terrifying situations they find themselves in.
Existential American novels often focus on the individual's struggle for meaning. They show characters dealing with feelings of alienation from society or from themselves. For example, in 'The Catcher in the Rye', Holden is alienated from the 'phony' world around him.
They often deal with themes of madness and the supernatural. Poe's stories are full of characters going mad, such as in 'The Tell - Tale Heart'.
Not as much as they used to be. But there are still some readers who appreciate them for their realistic depictions.
American novels are known for their wide range of themes. They can be about frontier life, like in the Western novels. They also often have complex characters. In novels like 'The Sound and the Fury' by William Faulkner, the characters are multi - faceted and their inner thoughts are deeply explored. And they are not afraid to show the dark sides of American society, be it poverty, inequality or moral decay.