Examples Of Naturalism In The Goophered Grapevine

In literature, both regionalism and naturalism are derived from realism. Regionalism describes specific regional landscapes and reveals that area’s form of communication and customs. On the other hand, naturalism focuses more on society, the environment, spirits, and the concepts that are beyond what our brains are capable of comprehending; more or less, the facts. Although both make for a diverse set of literature work, they seem to interlink in ways. For instance, both regionalism and naturalism expose the reality of life and the struggles that humans face.
“The Goophered Grapevine,” written by Charles W. Chesnutt, is a perfect example of regionalism. Not only did the story take place in North Carolina specifically, but it also revolved

around a plantation in the South. Therefore, covering the two major elements of regionalism: area and landscape. Plus, readers are able to learn a lot about the language that was spoken in that location and the level of education that was provided by Chesnutt creating the character of the former slave. “W’en dey tole ‘im ‘bout de gopher on de grapevimes, he ‘uz dat terrified dat he turn pale, en look des like he gwine ter die right in his tracks,” (702) this Southern dialogue of the former slave gives an even clearer idea of how some folks in that area spoke. In over words, Chesnutt gave readers a history crash course.
Author Jack London, in his story “To Build a Fire,” really concentrates on the idea of naturalism. The piece covers a very obvious ‘man vs. nature’ philosophy and it demonstrates a man’s loss against our mother nature. Actually, the turning point of the plot is captured when London admitted, on behalf of the character, that “it was a matter of life and death with the chances against him” (1056). Generally, such a survival situation is a common concept within naturalism. However, do you think London’s story would have been as powerful if it didn’t take place in such a brutally cold region?