19th-Century Realism and Naturalism in European Literature

Realism and Naturalism in 19th-Century Europe

Historical and Social Context

The 19th century in Europe was characterized by rapid population growth and economic expansion based on industrialization. This era was marked by the consolidation of power by authoritarian governments and the rise of the bourgeoisie. The conservative appearance of figures like Napoleon III in France and the imperialist colonial period responded to these interests, driven by the need for raw materials and new markets. These interests clashed with emerging philosophical currents such as positivism and Marxism.

Scientific and experimental trends, including the theory of evolution and theories of heredity, significantly influenced literature. The rigorous observation of reality, akin to that of an experimental scientist, became a defining feature of Realism, while the theory of evolution and heredity shaped Naturalism.

From Romanticism to Realism

Realism emerged as an evolution of Romanticism. Both movements shared a contempt for the bourgeoisie and capitalism. However, while Romantics sought refuge in their inner worlds, Realists confronted the causes of societal issues and sought to understand them through detailed analysis.

An important development was the changing role of the public and the writer. The bourgeois public wanted to read about everyday life, and market laws began to influence art and literature. Consequently, writers had to decide which genre to pursue. The novel became the most cultivated genre during this period.

Phases of Realism

• First Phase: The critical attitude was integrated into the framework of bourgeois ideology.
• Second Stage (around 1848): Approaches varied, and the bourgeoisie became less tolerant of self-criticism regarding the values of liberal capitalism.

European Realism

This period produced significant literary works, including:

• In France: Honoré de Balzac's The Human Comedy.
• In England: Charles Dickens's Oliver Twist.
• In Russia: Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace.

Characteristics of the Realist Novel

• Careful documentation by novelists.
• Limitation of the fantastic.
• Setting in the contemporary era.
• Inclusion of regional or local environments.
• Typically linear plots, but often using retrospection.
• Omniscience of the author.
• Use of appropriate language for each character and setting.

The Naturalistic Novel

The Naturalistic novel was initiated by the Frenchman Émile Zola. It was not only a literary trend but also a conception of humanity and a method for studying human behavior. Naturalism posited that humans are determined by their physiology, biological inheritance, and social and environmental pressures. In terms of technique and style, Naturalism followed the procedures of realistic observation.

Weaknesses of Naturalism

• The superficiality of its scientific pretensions.
• The conventional nature of its procedures, often leading to a caricature of true scientific experimentation.

Realism in Spain

The rise of the bourgeoisie in Spain was slower than in other parts of Europe, and the economy lagged in industrialization. Labor forces began to organize, with both anarchists and socialists emerging around 1868. The revolution of 1868 marked the victory of the progressive bourgeoisie and the establishment of greater liberties. However, the restoration of the monarchy in 1875 brought back old socio-economic conditions without significant solutions.

Development of Realism in Spain

• Transition from Romanticism to Realism: Nonfiction works marked this transition.
• Consolidation of Realism (1868-1880): The first novel by Benito Pérez Galdós was published in 1866.
• Spanish Naturalism (1880s): Many writers did not fully embrace Naturalism.
• Spiritualist Realism (1890s): Naturalism gave way to a third stage of Spanish Realism, known as "the purest Realism" or "Spiritualist Realism."

Prominent figures of Spanish Realism included Benito Pérez Galdós, known for National Episodes and Fortunata and Jacinta, and Leopoldo Alas Clarín, author of La Regenta (often referred to as Ana in the provided text). Liberals generally accepted Naturalism, while traditionalists rejected it. However, Naturalism in Spain was more superficial and had less impact than in France.