19th Century Spanish Realism and Naturalism in Literature

Realism in 19th Century Spain

Bourgeois Society and Daily Life

The Realism art movement focused on portraying bourgeois society, leaving behind romantic ideals for social commentary. It depicted everyday life in both rural and urban settings, analyzing environments, social groups, and their influence on character development.

The Realist Novel

The Realist novel combined individual and social aspirations. It blended fiction with historical aspects, portraying contemporary life in real places with detailed descriptions. Characters were ordinary individuals, described externally, internally, and socially, engaging in direct-style dialogues. An omniscient narrator provided commentary and insights.

Realism in Spain

From 1870, Spanish Realism flourished with novelists like José María de Pereda, Juan Valera, and Benito Pérez Galdós, reflecting Spanish life and landscapes.

Benito Pérez Galdós

Galdós' novels are known for their character development and integration of daily life into historical events. He employed various narrative techniques, including an omniscient narrator, dialogue, and direct-style monologues.

• National Events: Depicted anonymous historical events of the 19th century.
• Early Novels (Thesis Novels): Explored ideological conflicts between conservative and progressive characters.
• Contemporary Novels: Reflected the reality of Madrid, portraying its people and places.
• Spiritualist Novels: Focused on the inner world, values, and psychological complexities of characters.

Naturalism: An Extreme Form of Realism

Naturalism, spearheaded by Émile Zola, took Realism to an extreme, applying scientific principles to literature. Zola believed that individuals were products of their genetic inheritance and social conditions, aiming to expose the harsh realities of the time.

Clarín and La Regenta

Set in Vetusta, La Regenta presents a conflict between two characters driven by love in a hostile environment.

Other Notable Naturalist Authors

• Emilia Pardo Bazán: Her novels depict the Galician countryside, where a decaying nobility clings to power among the peasantry.
• Vicente Blasco Ibáñez: His novels showcase the world of Valencian trade, agriculture, and fisheries.