Andrés Hurtado's Tragic Evolution in Pío Baroja's Novel

Andrés Hurtado: Character Profile and Evolution

Andrés Hurtado is the protagonist of the novel, representing an autobiographical element of Pío Baroja’s family history and philosophical outlook. Hurtado's political views are often contrary to those attributed to Baroja. Andrés faces many problems with his family, except for his only sister and Luisito, his younger brother, for whom he holds great affection.

Early Life, Education, and Philosophical Inquiry

Young Andrés was restless and deeply interested in learning, particularly medicine and philosophy, prioritizing the former, which he pursues as his field of study. This intellectual curiosity led him to consider profound philosophical questions. These existential inquiries, which he debated with his uncle Iturrioz (detailed in the fourth part of the book), intensified significantly after the tragic death of his brother.

A series of tragic circumstances eventually sink him into a deep depression. His evolution is marked by pivotal moments in his life, consistently leading him down the path of pessimism. In the early stages, Andrés appears relatively well-adjusted, aside from his family conflicts. He emphasizes the excitement of knowing, striving to find answers to everything, known or unknown, which drives his constant reading of philosophical texts.

A significant example of his growing pessimism is the loss of his younger brother, Luisito, who dies from tuberculosis, a common disease at the time.

The Reflective Period and Philosophical Depth

The fourth part of the novel contains reflections corresponding to Hurtado’s period of introspection regarding life and his own search for meaning. This section is the most philosophical and often the most challenging to understand.

Professional Life: Medicine and Despair

When Andrés works as a public health doctor, he witnesses the horrors of prostitution and disease firsthand. Later, he serves as a physician to the poor. This period forces him to reflect deeply on life, death, love, and his own existence. This professional experience marks another crucial evolution in his character.

Love, Marriage, and Ultimate Tragedy

Another significant development is the growth of love between Andrés and Lulu. A wonderful friendship blossoms into something profound and strong—a bond so intense it ultimately contributes to tragedy.

Just when life seems stable, Lulu becomes pregnant. Andrés is not initially happy about this development, and from this point forward, misfortunes accumulate rapidly:

• At birth, the child tragically drowns due to the umbilical cord.
• This event plunges both Andrés and Lulu into deep depression.
• The child dies three days later.

Desperate, Hurtado locks himself in his room. When Lulu, fearing the worst after Andrés fails to attend his uncle Iturrioz's funeral, enters his room, she finds Andrés Hurtado dead. He had committed suicide by poisoning, unable to endure life without Lulu and lacking answers to his fundamental existential questions.

Conclusion: Science, Happiness, and Pessimism

The final conclusion, often expressed through Andrés's perspective, suggests a complex view of science. Contrary to popular belief, science does not necessarily lead to happiness. However, if used properly, and if expectations are realistic (not expecting more than it can deliver), science can provide satisfactory results. Ultimately, Andrés's life trajectory is defined by profound pessimism and the failure to reconcile intellectual inquiry with the harsh realities of existence.