19th Century Spanish Realism: Galdós, Clarín, and Positivism

19th Century Literary and Philosophical Movements

Positivism: Knowledge Through Observation

Positivism is a way of thinking that seeks rational explanations for everything, meaning knowledge is acquired through observation and experimentation.

Experimentalism: The Scientific Prerequisite

Experimentalism is a method of study that believes experimentation is a prerequisite in any scientific analysis.

Realism: Reflecting 19th Century Society

Realism consisted of a movement that developed in the second half of the 19th century, characterized by the attempt to reflect the society of the time in literary works.

Key Characteristics of Realism

• The novel is imposed as the primary genre.
• Writers maintain objectivity.
• Focus on plausible, sober, and contemporary environments.
• Characters are inspired by and created in urban areas.

Naturalism: Environment and Genetic Influence

Naturalism is a concept of French origin characterized by explaining the behavior of individuals based on the influence of their surroundings or their genetic inheritance.

Features of the Realist Novel

• Omniscient narrator: Sees and knows everything.
• Liberal use of description (for individuals and places), detailing people both physically and psychologically.
• Arguments sometimes include exaggerated melodrama.

Major Authors of Spanish Realism

Benito Pérez Galdós (1843–1920)

Born in 1843 in Gran Canaria, Galdós moved to Madrid to begin his studies. In old age, he became sick and blind. He died in Madrid in 1920.

Galdós's Literary Stages

Galdós's work is generally divided into two stages:

1. Thesis Novels (Culture vs. Fanaticism)

   Stories that defend modern ideas of culture and reason against fanaticism, intolerance, and bigotry.

   • La Fontana de Oro (1868)
   • Marianela: A young, marginalized orphan falls in love with Pablo, a handsome boy from a wealthy family who is blind.
   • Doña Perfecta

2. Contemporary Novels (Madrid Society)

   Stories set in Madrid, faithfully reproducing the society of the time.

   • Fortunata y Jacinta (1887)

Episodios Nacionales (19th Century History)

A series of novels set during the most important historical events of the 19th century.

• Trafalgar

Leopoldo Alas, Clarín (1852–1901)

Born in Zamora in 1852, he moved to Oviedo, then to Madrid for his later studies, and returned to Oviedo, where he died in 1901. He was highly successful in the short story genre.

Clarín's Major Works

• La Regenta (The Judge's Wife)
• Su único hijo (His Only Son)

Central Themes in Clarín's Writing

• Criticism of the lack of ethics and the mediocrity of the upper class.
• Criticism of social hypocrisy.
• Criticism of unbridled ambition for power.

Structure and Style (La Regenta)

The novel has a complex structure (30 chapters) with temporal shifts and numerous descriptions. The first 15 chapters focus heavily on descriptions; the latter 15 chapters focus on the action. Clarín uses free indirect style to introduce the characters' thoughts.