Here's how the story exemplifies this key trait:
* Unwavering focus on social and environmental factors: The story portrays a simple, rural man named Maitre Hauchecorne who is wrongfully accused of stealing a piece of string. This accusation stems from his poverty and his social standing. The story highlights how these factors influence his perception and the perception others have of him.
* Character as a product of his environment: Maitre Hauchecorne is depicted as a man with limited education and resources. He is vulnerable to the accusations and misunderstandings of his community. His life is shaped by his circumstances, demonstrating how environmental factors can determine one's fate.
* Impersonal forces at play: The story shows how Maitre Hauchecorne is caught in a web of events that he cannot control. The accusation against him spreads quickly and his efforts to defend himself are ineffective. He is ultimately a victim of social prejudice and the workings of a flawed justice system.
In essence, "The Piece of String" portrays Maitre Hauchecorne's life as a deterministic chain of events where his social standing, lack of education, and his community's misinterpretations lead to his downfall. The story avoids romanticism and focuses on the harsh realities of life, emphasizing the power of environmental factors over individual agency, which is a key characteristic of Naturalist literature.