Gradualism in Literature & Literary Theory

Gradualism: Etymology/Term, Meanings, and Concept

Etymology/Term:

The term “gradualism” stems from the Latin word “gradus,” meaning step. In various disciplines, gradualism denotes a theoretical approach or process characterized by incremental and gradual changes over time, rather than abrupt or sudden shifts.

Meanings and Concept:

• Evolutionary Biology: In biology, gradualism refers to the theory that species evolve gradually over extended periods through small, cumulative changes in genetic traits, contrasting with the idea of punctuated equilibrium that suggests rapid bursts of evolution.
• Geology: In geology, gradualism is a perspective asserting that geological features and changes on Earth’s surface result from slow, continuous processes, as opposed to sudden catastrophic events.
• Social and Political Change: In social and political contexts, gradualism denotes a strategy or philosophy advocating for gradual, incremental reforms or changes instead of abrupt revolutions, aiming to minimize disruption and promote stability.
• Economics: In economic theory, gradualism may refer to a policy approach that implements changes gradually rather than through swift, radical measures, allowing for smoother transitions and adaptation.
• Environmental Science: Within environmental science, gradualism can describe the view that environmental changes, such as climate change, occur gradually over time due to various natural processes and human activities.

Gradualism: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Gradualism, as a theoretical term, denotes the concept of incremental and steady progress or change over time, contrasting with abrupt or sudden transformations. In evolutionary biology, gradualism posits that species evolve through small, cumulative variations rather than rapid shifts. This term is also applied across various disciplines, including geology, social and political change, economics, and environmental science, capturing the notion of slow and continuous processes as opposed to sudden and drastic developments.

Gradualism: Theorists, Works, and Arguments

Theorists:

1. Charles Darwin: Darwin, in his seminal work “On the Origin of Species” (1859), is associated with the concept of gradualism in evolutionary biology. He proposed that species evolve through the accumulation of small, adaptive changes over long periods.
2. James Hutton: A Scottish geologist, Hutton is often considered a proponent of gradualism in geology. His work, “Theory of the Earth” (1785), emphasized the idea that geological processes shape the Earth’s surface gradually over extended time spans.

Works:

1. “On the Origin of Species” by Charles Darwin (1859): Darwin’s groundbreaking work introduced the concept of gradualism in the context of biological evolution, challenging earlier ideas of sudden, divine creation.
2. “Principles of Geology” by Charles Lyell (1830-1833): Lyell’s influential work further supported gradualism in geology, arguing for the slow and continuous processes that shape the Earth’s features over time.

Arguments:

1. Evolutionary Biology: The gradualism advocated by Darwin posits that the diversity of life arises through the slow accumulation of advantageous traits within populations over successive generations, challenging the idea of abrupt, supernatural creation.
2. Geology: Gradualism in geology, as supported by Hutton and Lyell, argues against catastrophic events as the primary drivers of geological change. Instead, it emphasizes the cumulative effects of gradual processes like erosion and sedimentation.
3. Social and Political Change: In social and political contexts, theorists argue for gradualism as a pragmatic approach to reform. Advocates, such as Fabian socialists, contend that incremental changes are more feasible and sustainable than abrupt revolutions.
4. Economics: Gradualism in economics suggests that implementing changes incrementally, rather than through radical measures, can lead to smoother transitions and reduce potential disruptions to economic systems. This approach is often favored for its perceived stability and adaptability.

Gradualism: Major Characteristics

1. Incremental Progress: Gradualism is characterized by incremental and step-by-step progress or change over time, emphasizing the accumulation of small modifications rather than sudden, transformative events.
2. Evolutionary Perspective: In evolutionary biology, gradualism posits that species evolve through a gradual process of small, adaptive changes, challenging the notion of abrupt, punctuated shifts in the fossil record.
3. Geological Processes: In geology, gradualism asserts that the Earth’s surface features result from slow, continuous processes over extended periods, such as erosion, sedimentation, and tectonic activity, rather than sudden catastrophic events.
4. Social and Political Reform: In social and political contexts, gradualism advocates for incremental reforms and changes within existing structures, as opposed to revolutionary upheavals. It seeks to achieve transformation without causing abrupt disruptions.
5. Economic Policy: In economics, gradualism involves implementing changes to economic systems and policies gradually, avoiding radical measures. This approach aims to promote stability, adaptability, and minimize potential negative impacts on the economy.
6. Environmental Changes: Within environmental science, gradualism is applied to the understanding of slow and continuous environmental changes, such as climate change, influenced by natural processes and human activities over extended periods.
7. Resistance to Abrupt Shifts: Gradualism often implies a resistance to abrupt shifts or sudden interventions, favoring a more measured and cautious approach to avoid unintended consequences and disruptions.
8. Adaptation and Stability: The gradualist approach emphasizes adaptation and stability, suggesting that slow, incremental changes allow for better adaptation to evolving circumstances and reduce the risk of destabilizing effects.
9. Empirical Observation: Characterized by an empirical focus, gradualism encourages the observation and documentation of gradual processes over time, supporting theories with evidence of cumulative changes in various fields.
10. Pragmatic Philosophy: In social, political, and economic contexts, gradualism is often grounded in a pragmatic philosophy, acknowledging the complexities of systems and advocating for realistic, achievable reforms rather than idealized transformations.

Gradualism: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance to Gradualism in Literature
Evolutionary Criticism	Examines the gradual development of literary forms and themes over time, akin to the evolution of species in biology.
Historical Criticism	Considers the gradual influence of historical contexts on literature, emphasizing the evolution of ideas, styles, and cultural norms.
Formalist Criticism	Focuses on the incremental development of literary forms, structures, and techniques, recognizing the gradual evolution of literary conventions.
Feminist Criticism	Explores the gradual progression of gender roles and representation in literature, acknowledging evolving perspectives on women and gender dynamics.
Marxist Criticism	Analyzes the gradual shifts in economic and social structures reflected in literature, highlighting the evolving portrayal of class relations and power dynamics.
Postcolonial Criticism	Examines the gradual impact of colonialism and its aftermath on literature, acknowledging the evolving representation of postcolonial identities and narratives.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Considers the gradual development of characters’ psyches and the evolving exploration of unconscious desires and motivations in literature.
Reader-Response Theory	Focuses on the evolving relationship between readers and texts, acknowledging the gradual interpretation and meaning-making processes that occur over time.
Structuralism	Examines the gradual construction and evolution of literary structures, exploring underlying patterns and systems that shape the meaning of texts.
Cultural Studies	Considers the gradual interplay between literature and cultural dynamics, acknowledging the evolving influence of cultural contexts on literary production.

Gradualism: Application in Critiques

1. Middlemarch by George Eliot:
   • Gradual Social Changes: Eliot’s novel explores the gradual transformation of the fictitious town of Middlemarch and its inhabitants. The narrative skillfully unfolds over time, portraying the societal shifts, personal growth, and evolving relationships of the diverse characters.
2. The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka:
   • Gradual Transformation of the Protagonist: Kafka’s work employs gradualism to depict the surreal transformation of Gregor Samsa into an insect. The gradual nature of this metamorphosis serves as a metaphor for the protagonist’s alienation and the disintegration of familial bonds.
3. Beloved by Toni Morrison:
   • Gradual Revelation of Trauma: Morrison’s novel utilizes gradualism to reveal the traumatic past of the character Sethe. The narrative unfolds slowly, allowing readers to piece together the haunting history of slavery and its enduring impact on the characters.
4. The Road by Cormac McCarthy:
   • Gradual Exploration of Post-Apocalyptic World: McCarthy’s novel employs gradualism to unravel the bleak post-apocalyptic landscape and the relationship between a father and son. The gradual exploration of this desolate world reflects the slow deterioration of humanity and the endurance of familial bonds.

Gradualism: Relevant Terms

Theoretical Term	Brief Description
Incrementalism	Similar to gradualism, emphasizes slow, incremental progress.
Accretionism	Focuses on the gradual accumulation of elements or changes over time.
Developmentalism	Stresses the process of gradual development or evolution in literature.
Evolutionary Criticism	Examines the progressive development and adaptation of literary forms.
Adaptation Theory	Analyzes how literature adapts and changes over time and contexts.
Continuism	Emphasizes the continuous flow and development of themes in literature.
Iterative Progression	Focuses on the repeated and gradual advancement of literary elements.
Sequentialism	Emphasizes the step-by-step progression of literary elements or ideas.
Gradual Evolutionism	Similar to gradualism, underscores the gradual evolution of literature.
Iterative Transformation	Examines the repetitive and gradual transformation of literary elements.

Gradualism: Suggested Readings

1. Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Penguin Classics, 1813.
2. Atwood, Margaret. The Handmaid’s Tale. McClelland and Stewart, 1985.
3. Darwin, Charles. On the Origin of Species. Penguin, 1859.
4. Eliot, George. Middlemarch. Penguin Classics, 1871.
5. Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 1925.
6. Hutton, James. Theory of the Earth. Penguin Classics, 1785.