The Genteel Tradition and Literary Naturalism

TAKATORI Kiyoshi

doi:10.20802/gendaieibei.18.0_61

The term Genteel Tradition or Victorianism has been used widely and with various meanings. Genrally, however, it refers to that literature in America from about 1870 to the turn of the century which was molded by the 'polite' manners and rigorous taboos of refined society. In the literary world 'genteel' writers and critics, supported by william D. howells, tried to keep the tradition under the slogan 'Be concerned with more smiling aspects of life' and 'Never, never write anything you would be ashamed to read to women.' And they severely attacked L' Assommoir and other novels by Emile Zola, a founder of Naturalism for the reaso that his works were dirty in description and harmful to healthy youg men and women, When Stephen Crane, Frank Norris and Theodore Dreiser published Naturalistic novel at home, many 'genteel' critics openly attacked them. But their attacks were out of place, because they didn't have clear perception of the social change of that day, nor could they appreciate the real purpose of these young writers. It is certain that the Genteel Tradition waas followed by Naturalism as its antithesis. Therefore, as the former declined in its power at the beginning of 20th century, the latter gave place to muckrakig novels and disappeared. Neither the Genteel Tradition nor Naturalism enjoyed longevity but it is certain that they have left something essentiaal in contemporary literature.

The Genteel Tradition and Literary Naturalism

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