The beginnings of naturalism in American fiction; a study of the works of Hamlin Garland, Stephen Crane, and Frank Norris, with special reference to some European influences, 1891-1903.
The American scene -- Naturalism in France -- Aspects of European realistic and naturalistic literature in America prior to 1900 -- Realism in the middle West -- Emergence of naturalism -- Literary credos -- Theme and method of preparation -- Setting -- Characters -- The influence of Zola -- Huysmans and Frank Norris The influence of Turgenev -- Tolstoy and Stephen Crane -- The influence of Ibsen.