American Naturalism:
* "The Red Badge of Courage" (1895) by Stephen Crane: Explores the psychological and physical realities of war, focusing on the protagonist's experience of fear, disillusionment, and the brutal realities of battle.
* "Maggie: A Girl of the Streets" (1893) by Stephen Crane: Depicts the harsh realities of poverty and social injustice in New York City, with a focus on a young woman's descent into prostitution.
* "Sister Carrie" (1900) by Theodore Dreiser: Explores themes of ambition, social mobility, and the corrupting influence of materialism in urban America, through the story of a young woman's journey to success.
* "An American Tragedy" (1925) by Theodore Dreiser: A sprawling epic that examines the social and economic factors contributing to the downfall of a young man who commits murder in pursuit of wealth and status.
* "The Octopus" (1901) by Frank Norris: Set in the wheat-growing region of California, it portrays the brutal struggle between farmers and the powerful railroad industry.
* "The Jungle" (1906) by Upton Sinclair: Shocking expose of the unsanitary and exploitative conditions in the Chicago meatpacking industry.
European Naturalism:
* "Germinal" (1885) by Émile Zola: A powerful depiction of the harsh conditions and struggle of coal miners in 19th-century France.
* "Thérèse Raquin" (1867) by Émile Zola: Examines the psychological and social consequences of a passionate affair and murder.
* "Nana" (1880) by Émile Zola: A stark portrayal of the rise and fall of a courtesan in Second Empire Paris.
* "The Human Comedy" (1830-1848) by Honoré de Balzac: A sprawling series of interconnected novels that explores the lives and struggles of various people in the social strata of France, emphasizing the influence of society on individual lives.
* "Madame Bovary" (1857) by Gustave Flaubert: A detailed exploration of the psychological and social realities of provincial life in France, with a focus on a woman's search for fulfillment and her tragic downfall.
Key Characteristics of Naturalism:
* Determinism: Characters are often seen as being shaped by their environment, heredity, and social conditions.
* Objectivity: Authors strive for a detached, scientific observation of their subjects.
* Realism: Naturalistic novels aim to portray life as it truly is, even if it's unpleasant or harsh.
* Pessimism: There is often a sense that life is a struggle against overwhelming forces, and that characters have little control over their destinies.
* Emphasis on social problems: Naturalism often addresses the social and economic injustices of the time, highlighting the plight of marginalized groups.
Remember that these are just a few examples, and there are many other novels that could be considered naturalist. The specific elements of naturalism vary from author to author, and there is often debate about what constitutes a true "naturalist" novel.