By Oda Nissen

1. Stanislavski – naturalism and realism
Realism:
Trying to present the world as it really is – like a photograph
Plain and sensible account of action, rarely sentimental or emotional
Realists make us believe the world they show us, done by filling
works with believable details, facts. Eg. specific dialects
“Everyday” important – not extraordinary people in fantastic
situations
Writers would write about places they lived/grew up to get that
everyday feeling
Often celebrates an individual, struggle  moral victory/realization. Lots
of internal action, what is going on in the character’s mind. Single humans
most learn, grow and change their world, or face the consequences
Plot driven: conflict to be solved. Often with protagonist and an
antagonist.
Naturalism:
Outgrowth of realism
Like realism: portraits “real life” as accurately as possible, facts and
details, plot driven.
Not as interested in individuality, individuals won’t change the world.
“Individual human beings are at the mercy of uncontrollable larger
forces.” – eg. instincts like need for food, sex, shelter, social dominance.
Point is that it is inevitable, makes it pretty grim.
Naturalists are more likely to be political. Might want to expose “cruel
forces”, like the capitalist economy – money crush poor people.
More likely than realist works to deal with the extraordinary, in desire to
show the control external forces have over people. Deal with causes the
middle class, won’t find part of their life: war, violence, crime, natural
disasters, poverty.. shock readers