What is the difference in realism and naturalism?

Answer 1

Realism refers to the depiction of subjects as they appear in every day life.

Naturalism depicts the subject as they appear in every day life in a pessimistic manner, in opposition to nature fighting for their survival, and is viewed in an objectual scientific manner.

Naturalism should not be confused with environmentalism which believes mankind must work with nature as he is a part of it.

Note that this is in reference to the Literary movement. Not worldviews or philosophies.

The main difference is that realism tends be concerned with viewing the character scientifically. Naturalism stemmed from Realism after the views of Darwin were "accepted" or atleast "contemplated thouroghly".

Answer 2

Realism seeks to portray everyday life and society as it is, focusing on accurate depictions of reality without idealization. Naturalism, on the other hand, examines the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior, often depicting characters as controlled by their circumstances and instincts. Both movements strive for authenticity and truthfulness, but naturalism goes a step further by emphasizing the deterministic nature of human existence.

Answer 3

Realism is a representation of reality in literature, where characters are believable. Naturalism is influenced by science (mostly from Darwin).