Critical Appraisal of The Tree of Knowledge by Pio Baroja

Critical Appraisal - The Tree of Knowledge

The Tree of Knowledge belongs to the first stage of Pio Baroja's literary career and thus has some autobiographical elements. It also clearly reflects the sensibility that the authors of the Generation of 98 had with respect to the life and society of the time. Thus, it is arguably one of the most representative novels of Baroja's work and, simultaneously, one of the most typical novels of the Generation of '98.

Autobiographical Nature and Character Development

The autobiographical nature is one of its characteristics, truly becoming a novel of character, focusing on Andres Hurtado. It focuses on the protagonist's life from its beginning to its tragic end, primarily focusing on the psychological development that takes place in the character. We see how, little by little, all of Andrew's vital ideals break down, creating vital boredom that leaves no direction in life. He is misled, for there is nothing in society and the world that motivates him to live. The only way to salvation is philosophy (a theme from the play) to start his way of conceiving reality, emphasizing his existential pessimism and skepticism about science. His medical career, as a man of science, does not provide the answers he is looking for to his big questions about the meaning of life and the world. Besides the philosophical side, there are other issues, such as a clear critique of religion and society, and especially popular issues, such as the loss of the colonies in Cuba or the rural bosses. Another major criticism is that Spain has limitations regarding the means to develop a serious and rigorous science and research.

Character Dynamics and Their Impact

The characters reflect the author's personality. His apathy toward his father, Pedro Hurtado, and the death of his younger brother Louis make him a sad and lonely person. It is his uncle Iturrioz with whom he will discuss existential angst and philosophical issues, a fact that will make him opt for a passive life, skeptical of everything happening around him (the apathy of the Generation of '98). The other characters, including Montaner and Araceli, and especially Lulu, will make him see life, selfishness, and the indifference of society. Lulu will also give him some peace, culminating in his life before committing suicide.

Structural Analysis

Structurally, the book is divided into seven parts, with a parallel between the first three, focusing on family studies, social interactions (including Lulu), and the vital disorientation of the protagonist, and the last three: the experience in the field, the encounter with Lulu, and suicide. There is a reflection on the meaning of life and the world.

Literary Style and Tone

So, with quick prose, with an abundance of short sentences and brief paragraphs, along with impressionistic descriptions where a few words create intense and vivid images, coupled with a certain sour tone in accord with the temperament of the author, the characteristic "evil of the century" that abounded in nineteenth-century literary sensibility is recreated in the novel.