What are the characteristics of American naturalist novels?

Naturalist novels are known for their objectivity. They try to present life as it really is without much moralizing. They show the power of nature and society over the individual. In naturalist novels, you can often find complex and flawed characters. The plot usually unfolds as a result of the characters' struggle against their environment or their inborn traits. For instance, Theodore Dreiser's 'Sister Carrie' is a good example of a naturalist novel where the protagonist is driven by her desires and is at the mercy of the social and economic forces around her.

Naturalist novels often focus on depicting the harsh realities of life and the influence of environment and heredity on characters. They tend to show life as deterministic and without much room for free will.

Well, one characteristic is the close observation of nature. In many naturalist novels, like 'My Antonia', the prairie is not just a backdrop but an active force. Another is the portrayal of the struggle for survival. Just as in 'The Call of the Wild', Buck has to fight for his life in the wild. And these novels often explore the relationship between humans and animals in the context of nature. For example, in 'The Jungle Book', Mowgli's relationship with the animals of the jungle is a key aspect.

Graphic naturalist novels often combine detailed illustrations with elements of naturalism in literature. They typically feature realistic depictions of nature, including animals, plants, and landscapes. The art style might be highly detailed to bring out the natural beauty. For example, the way animals are drawn can show their true forms and behaviors accurately.

Naturalist novels often have a rather pessimistic tone. They tend to show the powerlessness of individuals against larger social and natural forces. Take 'Jude the Obscure' for instance. Jude's attempts to better himself are constantly thwarted by social norms and his own misfortunes, leading to a rather tragic end.

Theodore Dreiser is a well - known author of American naturalist novels. His work 'Sister Carrie' is a classic in this genre. It shows the dark side of the American dream through the story of Carrie, a young woman trying to make her way in the city.

A naturalist graphic novel often has detailed and accurate depictions of nature. It might show different species of plants and animals in their natural habitats. For example, it could illustrate how a deer behaves in the forest. The art style is usually quite realistic to bring out the beauty of nature.

One of the best naturalist novels is 'The Call of the Wild' by Jack London. It vividly depicts the harsh life of a dog in the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush, showing how nature shapes and tests the characters. Another great one is 'Germinal' by Émile Zola. It delves into the lives of coal miners, exploring the impact of their environment on their lives and struggles.

Naturalist novels typically portrayed the harsh realities of life, emphasizing determinism and the influence of environment on characters.

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.