The naturalism movement introduced into American literature at the end of the 19th century, seeks to reproduce reality in the most objective way possible, exposing both the most sublime and the most beautiful aspects, as well as the more vulgar and dark ones. This term was coined by the French writer Émile Zola, considered the greatest representative of naturalism and pioneer of the genre in the prologue of his novel "Thérèse Raquin". Some American writers associated with this movement are Ellen Glasgow, David Graham Phillips, and Stephen Crane, the latter being one of the earliest exponents of naturalism in literature. His story 'The Open Boat', which we will analyze in the next paragraphs, is a clear example of American naturalism. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The basis of naturalism is mainly found in the deterministic philosophical doctrine. According to this theory all phenomena are necessarily predetermined by some initial conditions or circumstances. As reflected in the definition, naturalists thought that humans had no control over their lives and believed in the omnipotence of the universe and nature. In the words of Oscar Cargill, professor at Marietta College, naturalist authors "were pessimistic in that they believed in the absolute inability of men and women to shape their own destiny" and "felt that it would not be possible to achieve happiness with any awareness" . decision and who has received no earthly or heavenly reward for acting morally." Furthermore, naturalism places its main emphasis on characters from lower and marginal socioeconomic classes who inhabit urban settings and whose lives are governed by passion, genetic heritage and instinct. Also in this literary genre, the detached and emotionless tone and the frequent use of themes that pit man against nature or against himself are also common had a great influence on this literary movement as Darwin's ideas contributed greatly to strengthening the idea that men were subject to natural laws. This shows why naturalists rejected the idea of ​​any kind of divinity because for them the human being was a mere toy in nature. Stephen Crane's short story, "The Open Boat", tells the story of four men who struggle to survive in the face of the indifference of the ocean and who spend almost two days at its mercy. of the waves off the coast of Florida before he could swim to shore. These men, a cook, an oilman, a correspondent and the lifeboat captain, alternate their duties to help keep the rowboat afloat. One of the characteristics of naturalism mentioned above and present in 'The Open Boat' is determinism. This story suggests that human beings are incapable of changing their destiny and further warns that one should not try to find meaning in one's destiny and therefore it should be accepted as such. Because the characters in this story are subject to a destiny already preordained by the laws of nature that prevent them, no matter how hard they try, from making their own decisions. Some examples of determinism are the lack of control over the small boat despite all efforts to keep it afloat, the death of the oilman before he can reach land, or the moment when the men have to make a flag out of a bath towel they find in sea. their boat by 'some strange coincidence'. This feature of naturalism is also presented in another story.