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An Episode Of War Naturalism Analysis

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Naturalism Naturalism began having precedence in the literary world around 1865 as an offset to realism. Unlike realism that focuses on the reality of a situation, naturalism focuses on the psychological and sociological aspect of common people and everyday life. The core of naturalism is the belief that nature is indifferent. I believe the literature written by the author Stephen Crane, exemplifies naturalism in a way that is relatable to readers. In the literary work of An Episode of War, the story takes place during a routine day at the time of the Cilvil War. A lieutenant is concentrated on handing out coffee rations to his corporals when gun shots begin firing out of nowhere, consequently wounding the lieutenant in his arm. Those surrounding him freeze at the sight of their own bleeding, for although they were use to seeing it in battle, seeing one of their own- up close, hit them hard. From this point on the lieutenant goes on a journey to find help for his arm in the midst of turmoil and war surrounding him. An Episode of War exemplifies naturalism by expressing the insignificance of mankind to nature. Instead of giving the lieutenant and corporals names, Crane decides to leave them nameless, signifying that we are all generic to the universe and the forces of nature. It is only fate where we are and we must make the best of it because nature will neither harm nor help us. Nature is indifferent. Life in comparison to this story is like a battle. We as society

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