Topic > Naturalism in Jean Toomer's Dog

Naturalism describes a type of literature that attempts to apply the scientific principle of objectivity and detachment to the study of human beings (Campbell). Charles Darwin, a famous biologist, postulated his theory of natural selection in his work "The Origin of Species". In the animal kingdom, the strongest survive. The reasons for the survival of the fittest are the innate mechanisms to fight adversity and reproduce. Applied in the social sphere, Darwin's philosophy is called social Darwinism. Social Darwinism forms the cornerstone of naturalism, in which the primary goal is the survival of the fittest. Man, a human beast, survives thanks to innate abilities and primordial instincts. Although man is endowed with a powerful mind that distinguishes him from the animal species, he retains instincts that help him in self-preservation in the frenetic rush of life. In Dog, Jean Toomer is contemplated as a naturalist author, who focuses on man's instinctive passion for coitus and fighting. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In Dog, human animals instinctively act on libido, responding to the natural need to have sexual intercourse. When male and female are close together, waves of passion overwhelm both sexes. Dan, Muriel's lover, "has a stubborn desire to possess her" (Toomer 2011). Dan and Muriel are locked in an embrace and although she argues with him and tries to leave him, a basic, masculine passion ignites and dominates him. In the natural world, the nature of the male is to dominate and possess the female. Similarly, in Avey, a male protagonist in love experiences “an immediate and urgent (overwhelming) passion on (him)” (Toomer 2011). The lovers experience “a new (fiery) passion” (Toomer 2011). At the club, the speaker describes the lovers with “their instincts (guiding them)” (Toomer 2011). When man's bestial nature emerges and his instinct prevails, then he is powerless to fight it. Referring to man's libido as an uncontrolled and instantaneous action, Toomer manifests naturalist views. Toomer compares Muriel's sexual response to an "animalism, still unconquered by the restrictions of the zoo and the taboos of the keepers" (Toomer 2011). She responds and submits to her lover's animalistic desire to have sexual intercourse. No reason, consideration or premeditation occurs. The feverish heat of sexual desire unleashes man towards animalistic action. Toomer expresses naturalistic opinions by comparing man, in heat, to an animal. Biologically speaking, man is part of the animal kingdom; therefore his propensity for animal desires is expected. In the animal domain, males usually compete for the best females and in the human kingdom the same thing happens. Bob's body, gripped by jealousy over his girlfriend, responds with circulating veins, salivation, and an increasing desire to taste blood (Toomer 2011). Bob is activated by the fight-flight hormone that stimulates man's self-preservation mechanism. As Bob approaches his enemy-competitor, a bloodhound and several other dogs surround him. Toomer cleverly emphasizes animalism by mirroring Bob's passions for dogs, animals with which man is associated. In Darwin's theory, the continuation of the species, raw animal fighting is necessary to produce the most suitable offspring. In the modern world, animals are kept in cages and, similarly, man's basic instincts are refined, repressed and civilized. However, there is a point where boundaries are broken and the animal within rules. Wild-eyed Kabnis, in a fit of rage, kills a hen that disturbs his peace at night..).