Monday, February 14, 2011

Realism and Naturalism in "An episode of War" by Stephen Crane

I think realism and naturalism are both represented in the short story "An episode of War" by Stephen Crane.
One example for naturalism is in the beginning of the story when the lieutenant got shot and he realizes the blood running from a wound on his arm, as this was a situation in which no decisions made by the lieutenant could have prevented that outcome and was instead entirely affected by the environment and chance, which is an explanation consistent with the definition of naturalism.
The described effects of the gunshot wound, which greatly influenced the way the lieutenant physically operated, demonstrates an example of realism.
A further example in which realism is demonstrated in this novel regards the false statement spoken by the doctor. When he says, “Come along, now. I won’t amputate it. Come along. Don’t be a baby,” and eventually amputates the lieutenants arm (the exact opposite of his promise), realism is demonstrated because the main character was able to make the choice of whether to believe the doctor, therefore making a decision affecting his fate. The lieutenant’s choice was truly an example of realism.

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