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Which American writers were associated with literary naturalism alongside Theodore Dreiser?
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Theodore Dreiser
His first published novel Sister Carrie had a limited printing because of the controversial subject matter.
In American literature, several writers were associated with the movement of naturalism alongside Theodore Dreiser, who is considered the movement's leading American practitioner.123
Key figures associated with this development include:
- Hamlin Garland: An early contributor whose work, such as Main-Travelled Roads (1891), focused on the harsh realities of rural life and social struggles.12
- Stephen Crane: Known for works like Maggie: A Girl of the Streets (1893) and The Red Badge of Courage (1895), he utilized impressionistic techniques to depict individuals overwhelmed by their environment.13
- Frank Norris: Author of McTeague (1899) and The Octopus (1901), he was noted for his vivid portrayals of urban life and the forces of capitalism.13
- Jack London: Often cited alongside Crane and Norris as a key figure in the movement's American development.2
- James T. Farrell: His Studs Lonigan trilogy (1932–35) is recognized as one of the later expressions of the naturalistic style.2