The 19th Century Spanish Novel: Evolution and Key Authors

The second half of the nineteenth century has been called the century of the novel. This period saw significant developments and distinct stages in Spanish narrative.

Stages of the 19th Century Spanish Novel

• Prerealism (Thesis Novels): These novels often presented specific moral or social theses.
• Realism: More objective and less exemplary than prerealism. Paradigmatic characters, explicit theses, and moral lessons tend to disappear.
  • Topics addressed are varied, reflecting in detail the reality of the moment.
  • Narrative techniques include:
    • Meticulous descriptions.
    • Special attention to atmosphere.
    • Use of monologue and free indirect style.
    • Style adaptation to social rank.
    • Moral digressions and focus on character development.
• Naturalism: A view of the most sordid aspects of life, offering a raw expression of society.

Key Authors and Their Contributions

Fernán Caballero (Cecilia Böhl de Faber)

Considered the first novelist of her century. Her novels abound in dialogue, and characters are often not deeply defined. Her most important works include The Seagull and The Alvareda Family.

Development of Narrative from 1868

Benito Pérez Galdós

The hundred or so novels he wrote are generally classified into three periods:

• National Episodes: Fictionalized attempts to provide an overview of 19th-century Spanish history.
• First Period Novels: Works from Prerealism and Realism (e.g., Doña Perfecta, Marianela).
• Contemporary Spanish Novels (from 1880): (e.g., Fortunata and Jacinta, Miau, Mercy).

Galdós's style evolved from realism to naturalism.

Leopoldo Alas, "Clarín"

Known for two major novels, La Regenta and Su único hijo, and several short stories. He manifested a critical attitude towards the defects of the bourgeoisie, employing psychological analysis in his characters.

La Regenta is divided into two parts:

• The first 15 chapters are descriptive, delving into the psychology of the characters.
• The final 15 chapters are narrative, prioritizing the development of events.

Juan Valera

He was a critic before becoming a novelist. Characterized by moderate realism, he rejected fanciful or sentimental excesses of Romantic fiction. His works have an accurate setting, and the characters are credible, often eliminating the most unpleasant aspects of reality.

Valera argued against thesis novels. His works often show a key conflict: human desires and impulses versus conventional norms. Valera's style is considered the most refined of his time.

Vicente Blasco Ibáñez

A prolific author with a wide audience and diverse thematic scope. His works can be categorized:

• Valencian Environment Works: Often in the costumbrista tradition, though also with social vindication (e.g., La Barraca).
• Historical and Political Works: A phase mixing works of historical character with Republican and anticlerical themes (e.g., Cathedral).

Special mention should be made of The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, a work that brought him international fame. His novels focus on the recreation of sordid environments, often adopting a subversive stance and conveying specific ideological positions.