... 's perception of the boat's dilemma belongs to the school of thought called "naturalism". The basic themes of naturalism are survival, determinism, violence, and taboo. Conflicts which appear in naturalistic novels are mainly "man against nature" or "man against himself", all part of an effort to retain a "veneer of civilization". The indifference of the universe is an eternal source of ... She did not seem cruel to him then, nor beneficent, nor treacherous or wise. But she was indifferent, flatly indifferent." [Crane 666] Hereditary and environmental forces are also responsible for the ...

• Word Count: 1130
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... beasts,"" allow their characters to be studied through their relationships to their surroundings (Campbell). She also notes in her article that writers of naturalistic works tend to use more of " a version of the scientific method to write their novels- (Campbell). "To Build a Fire- by Jack London, works as a cruel contrast between ... comes as quickly as the next wave. Once again the reader can see the correspondent reflect on the struggle to survive. "The boat was headed for the beach. The correspondent wondered if none ascended the tall wind-tower, and if then they never looked seaward...

• Word Count: 1587
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School