Final answer:
The harsh realism in 'Under the Lion's Paw' centers on the oppressive power dynamics and brutal treatment of characters, showcasing Naturalistic fiction's focus on social injustices and external forces dictating life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The novel Under the Lion's Paw by Hamlin Garland is a poignant example of Naturalistic fiction. The harsh realism depicted in this work primarily centers on the oppressive power dynamics between the characters, which includes the brutal treatment of the tenant farmer by the dishonest landowner. This narrative aligns with Naturalist themes such as the struggle against unconquerable natural forces and being trapped by social and environmental circumstances, revealing a stark Realism that life's sufferings, like poverty and the fight for survival, are often dictated by external forces beyond the characters' control. In this context, the characters display little free will and are ultimately subject to the domination and exploitation by those with power - a clear reflection of social injustices that highlights the futility of their situation and the bleakness of their outlook.