19th Century Spanish Literary Realism and Naturalism

Realism: A Literary Movement

Realism is a literary movement that triumphed in Europe by 1850 and aims to reflect contemporary reality.

Historical, Social, and Cultural Context in Spain

Key developments influencing Spanish Realism included:

• Consolidation of the bourgeoisie.
• Industrial development and the organization of the urban proletariat, which began claiming its rights.
• The Revolution of 1868, which dethroned Queen Elizabeth II and initiated a progressive stage.
• The Restoration of the monarchy under Alfonso XII in 1875.
• A cultural and ideological struggle between traditionalists (opposed to modern ideas) and progressives.
• The relatively late arrival of Realism in Spain due to slower economic and industrial development and the delayed emergence of the bourgeoisie.

The Realist Novel: Core Characteristics

The novel was the primary literary expression of Realism. Its key characteristics include:

• A commitment to imitating or copying reality.
• A variety of scenarios and detailed character portraits.
• Plausible events and plotlines.
• Detailed descriptions of settings and forms of collective life.
• Themes drawn directly from the characters and their experiences.
• Documentation based on meticulous observation.
• Linear argumentation in narrative structure.
• An omniscient authorial perspective.

Naturalism: Radicalizing Realism

Naturalism is a literary method that emerged from Realism, focusing on knowledge and analysis, and radicalizing some of its tenets. It originated in France with Émile Zola.

Core Principles of Naturalism

1. Biological and Social Determinism: Humans are not considered free agents. Their behavior is predetermined by biological inheritance and the social circumstances into which they are born and in which their lives unfold.
2. Experimental Method: The novelist acts as an experimenter, placing characters in specific situations to observe their behavior and verify their reactions. Consequently, Naturalist novels often depict the most sordid and wretched aspects of society.

Major Spanish Authors of Realism and Naturalism

Early Realists and Transitional Figures

• Fernán Caballero (Cecilia Böhl de Faber): Known for works like La Gaviota, which marked a transition towards Realism.
• Pedro Antonio de Alarcón: Author of works such as El Sombrero de Tres Picos.

Juan Valera: Idealized Realism

Juan Valera represents an idealized form of Realism. He aimed to create beauty by consciously eliminating unpleasant or sadder aspects of life. His common themes include love, conflict, and the psychological analysis of female characters. Notable works include Pepita Jiménez and Juanita la Larga.

José María de Pereda: Regional Realism

José María de Pereda is celebrated for his depiction of rural life in Cantabria, often contrasting it favorably with urban settings. His works, such as Peñas Arriba and El Sabor de la Tierruca, vividly portray regional customs and landscapes.

Emilia Pardo Bazán: Champion of Naturalism

Emilia Pardo Bazán was a pivotal figure in introducing and defending Naturalism in Spain. Her most renowned work, Los Pazos de Ulloa, exemplifies Naturalist principles.

Benito Pérez Galdós: Spain's Epic Novelist

Benito Pérez Galdós authored an extensive body of 77 novels, providing a comprehensive panorama of Spanish life in the 19th century. His work, rooted in direct observation of reality, is often categorized as follows:

• Thesis Novels (First Period): In these early works, Galdós champions progressive political views and critiques societal obstacles like intransigence and religious fanaticism. Notable examples include Doña Perfecta and Gloria.
• Contemporary Spanish Novels (Second Period): This significant group comprises 24 novels that meticulously reflect Spanish reality, often critically portraying the middle class. Characters are depicted within their social environments, with observed traits such as materialism and hypocrisy. A key masterpiece from this period is Fortunata y Jacinta.
• Episodios Nacionales: This monumental series consists of 46 novels, through which Galdós ambitiously narrated the history of 19th-century Spain in fictional form.

Leopoldo Alas "Clarín": Master of Critique

Leopoldo Alas, "Clarín," was a prominent moralist writer, literary critic, and a staunch defender of justice and truth. He authored La Regenta, a seminal novel that offers a profound moral and social portrayal of a provincial Spanish city (Vetusta, a fictional representation of Oviedo). The work masterfully critiques its false religiosity, rigid social conventions, and the pervasive influence of a complacent church and corrupt clergy. Clarín also penned influential short stories, collected in volumes such as Pipá.