How is naturalism reflected in "A Man Said to the Universe"? The idea of the man talking to the universe reflects the romantic ideal that each person is unique and special. The man's insistence that he exists supports the idea that society has a significant role in forming the individual. The universe's response to the man reflects Darwin's theory of natural selection since the universe tells the man he is not important. The universe's response to the man presents a cynical view of the significance of humankind.

The correct answer is **The universe's response to the man reflects Darwin's theory of natural selection since the universe tells the man he is not important.**<br /><br />Stephen Crane's "A Man Said to the Universe" is a prime example of Naturalism. Naturalism, heavily influenced by Darwinism, emphasizes the indifference of the natural world to human concerns. The universe's cold, impersonal reply ("The universe said: 'I have no need of you.'") highlights this indifference. It suggests that humanity is not central to the universe's workings, much like natural selection's focus on survival and adaptation without any inherent purpose or favoritism towards specific species. The man's assertion of his existence is met with a cosmic shrug, underscoring the insignificance of individual human life in the vastness of the universe, a key tenet of Naturalism.<br /><br />The other options are incorrect because:<br /><br />* **The idea of the man talking to the universe reflects the romantic ideal that each person is unique and special:** While the man *tries* to assert his importance, the poem ultimately undermines this romantic notion. The universe's response negates the idea of human specialness.<br />* **The man's insistence that he exists supports the idea that society has a significant role in forming the individual:** The poem doesn't address the role of society. The interaction is solely between the man and the universe.<br />* **The universe's response to the man presents a cynical view of the significance of humankind:** While the universe's response *could* be interpreted as cynical, it's more accurately described as indifferent. Cynicism implies a negative or distrustful view, whereas the universe simply doesn't register the man's existence as relevant. It's not actively malicious, just unconcerned.<br />