American naturalism first began in 1893 with Stephen Crane's Maggie. Naturalistic writers usually write stories that mostly take place below the belt and show the sad, but true realities that take place in life. Through the story, naturalists stay present by using authorial intrusion to comment on events taking place. Naturalists also believe that one's fate is determined by a combination of their environment, heredity, and the element of chance. Ambrose Bierce's, "The Coup De Grace," …showed first 75 words of 586 total…

…showed last 75 words of 586 total…the coup de grace." Bierce's use of the element of chance and authorial intrusion makes his story very naturalistic. <Tab/>Naturalistic stories are a big part of American literature. We've always had a fascination with the cruelties of life. Naturalistic stories give us a different view of the world that is not discussed as much. These stories do often express a very important theme. Naturalistic stories are very important to us.