What is the naturalists' outlook on life?

• A. They view life as a noble quest
• B. They view human life as a grim loosing battle
• C. They view life as a harmonious cycle
• D. They view life as a cheerful adventure

Answer: (B)

Naturalism in American literature emphasizes determinism: human beings are shaped by forces such as heredity, environment, and social conditions. Characters are often portrayed as powerless in the face of these forces, and life tends to be depicted as a struggle where victory is rare and defeat is common—a grim, losing battle against an indifferent world. This outlook shows up in works by Crane, London, and other naturalists, who focus on how larger forces overpower individual agency. The other described views—life as a noble quest, a harmonious cycle, or a cheerful adventure—imply purpose, balance, or optimism that naturalist writers typically downplay.