Naturalism and All the Pretty Horses

Naturalism (as distinct from Naturalist, Nature and Natural) refers to various topics within philosophy and science, environmental movements, and other areas.

In the arts, naturalism may refer to:

Naturalism (arts), a style in painting and the visual arts.

Naturalism (literature), a literary style.

Naturalism (theatre), a movement in theatre and drama that began in the 19th century.

Naturalism is divided into two philosophical stances:

Methodological naturalism (or scientific naturalism) which focuses on epistemology: This stance is concerned with knowledge: what are methods for gaining trustworthy knowledge of the natural world? It is an epistemological view that is specifically concerned with practical methods for acquiring knowledge, irrespective of one's metaphysical or religious views.

Metaphysical naturalism, (or ontological naturalism or philosophical naturalism) which focuses on ontology: This stance is concerned with existence: Naturalism is the metaphysical position that nature is all there is, and all basic truths are truths of nature.( Ronald, 267)

Yes, Cormac McCarthy's novel All the Pretty Horses is a good example of Naturalism. The horses in All the Pretty Horses play a critical role, which is why specific horses are listed as characters in the front of these notes. The horses are more than a means of transportation for John Grady and Rawlins; they are friends. For example, when John Grady Cole finds Redbo in a stable after his long incarceration and travels on the grullo, Redbo whinnies, or calls to him in a touching reunion. The novel is centered around the horses: catching them, riding them, breeding them, rescuing them, admiring them, talking about them, philosophizing about them. They are the core, the soul, of the novel. (Macmillan, 372)

But the horses mean more to John Grady and Rawlins not just because they've formed bonds with them. Horses carry with them centuries of meaning, tied to legend and myth, romance ...