What aspect of theater does Naturalism focus on?

Naturalism in theater is characterized by an attempt to portray life as realistically as possible. This approach emphasizes authentic depictions of life, often removing traditional theatrical elements such as climaxes and dramatic structure that are commonly found in more conventional narratives. Instead of following a set pattern of dramatic rise and fall, Naturalism seeks to present everyday situations and the complexities of human behavior in a way that reflects the truth of existence.

The goal is to depict characters and their environments in a manner that is grounded in reality, often influenced by factors such as heredity and environment, thereby highlighting the deterministic aspects of human life. This focus on authenticity allows audiences to engage with the narratives on a realistic level, as they confront the natural rhythms of life rather than heightened, idealized portrayals or dramatic emphases typical of other styles.

Contextually, other approaches such as idealistic representations, emotional and subjective experiences, and historical significances are not central to Naturalism. These aspects may appear in various forms of theater, but they do not align with the core tenet of Naturalism, which is to strip away the artificial in favor of the genuine without the need for dramatic climaxes.