RNA - Naturalism Lesson

• born in San Francisco
• raised by his mother, his step-father, and an ex-slave foster mother
• worked various jobs in gold mines, on ships, and in factories
• decided to pursue writing as a better means of support
• strong supporter of socialism, labor and women's rights,
  and reforms of capitalism
• struggled with alcoholism and eventually died of liver disease
• also firmly in favor of Prohibition
• wrote over a thousand words a day
• best known for his novels White Fang and Call of the Wild.

Reading Assignment

It is now time to read "To Build a Fire."  "To Build a Fire" is a great example of Naturalism. It explores man's relationship with nature and concludes that nature is more powerful than man. The major conflict in the story is man vs. nature, but you will have to read the story to find out who wins.

As you read, look for examples of Naturalistic thinking. You may use the study guide to assist you. You should also notice the omniscient third-person point of view. This point of view allows the narrator to know and share the thoughts and feelings of all of the characters in the story, in this case including the protagonist's wolf dog. Finally, pay close attention to foreshadowing that will help you figure out what is likely to happen before it does.

"To Build a Fire" Text Link Links to an external site.

"To Build a Fire" Study Guide Link Links to an external site.

Stephen Crane (1871-1900)

• considered a major influence on later modernist writers in America and Europe
• wrote many novels, short stories, poems, and articles
• served as a war correspondent with his companion, Cora Taylor
• most famous for his novel, The Red Badge of Courage, set during the Civil War
• it was praised as a realistic depiction of a soldier's experience
• never served in the military himself
• died of tuberculosis at the age of 28

Crane's "The Open Boat" is based on a real event from the author's life. In early 1897, the ship Crane had boarded to take him to Cuba to report on the uprising against Spain sank, leaving him and three other men stranded in a life boat. After their rescue 30 hours later, Crane wrote an account of the tale that was published in a New York newspaper and is linked below for those interested in reading it. Later that year, he revised the tale to include more details about the men's time on the lifeboat and published the revised version under the title, "The Open Boat."

Reading Assignment

It is now time to read "The Open Boat."  As you read, make note of the decisions the characters make as they fight to survive. Also, pay attention to the language used to describe the environment, nature, and the creatures in it. Finally, study the characters' and narrator's thoughts to see where the text seems to express philosophies.

"The Open Boat" Text Link Links to an external site.

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