Naturalism• Literature that shows life is the working out of external and internal forces beyond human control

• Natural disasters• Economic changes—depressions/recessions• Child abuse• Divorce• Murder• Addictions• Jealousies• Aging• Bodily ailments• Moving

Existentialism

• A philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the individual experience in a hostile, absurd, or indifferent universe

• Existentialists believe there is no human nature!• No external meaning is thrust upon us by God.• Existence comes before essence• Existentialists stress freedom of choice and responsibility

for the consequences of one's acts.• Humans can choose to change their lives. We are not

victims of forces; however, there is only nature (no heaven, no hell, no reincarnation)