Evolution of the Realistic Novel in Europe and Spain

The transition in literature involved replacing the sentimental exaltation and imaginative deployment of Romanticism with the observation and reliable representation of the environment.

Characteristics of the Realistic Novel

The realistic narrative is characterized by the following features:

• Interest in everyday reality: A focus on the mundane and tangible.
• Contemporary issues: The treatment of social and political issues pertaining to the time.
• Objectivity: A search for impartial representation and realism.
• Critical presence: The author expresses criticism through the narrator.
• Omniscient narrator: A narrator who knows all thoughts and actions.
• Simple style: A plain and direct prose style.
• Meticulous recreation: Detailed development of characters and settings.

Realism in Europe

The Realistic Novel in France

The novel Red and Black is considered a precursor to French realism. Key authors include:

• Honoré de Balzac: Known for the monumental series The Human Comedy.
• Gustave Flaubert: Author of the masterpiece Madame Bovary.
• Émile Zola: The primary promoter of Naturalism and author of Nana.

The Realistic Novel in Russia

• Fyodor M. Dostoevsky: Famous for Crime and Punishment.
• Leo Tolstoy: Approached themes such as adultery and war in War and Peace and Anna Karenina.

Realism and Naturalism in Spain

Leopoldo Alas (Clarín)

Leopoldo Alas, known as Clarín, studied law and was a university professor and journalist. His narrative work includes La Regenta (his most important work), His Only Son, and various short stories.

In La Regenta, the story elapses in Vetusta (modeled after Oviedo). The novel incorporates naturalistic elements, such as how the environment and physical factors determine the characters' behavior. Clarín is noted for creating the interior monologue, capturing the thoughts of characters through free indirect style to insert third-person perspectives without explicit verbs.

The Three Stages of Spanish Realism

Prerealism

This stage began with the publication of La Gaviota (The Seagull). It is characterized by a tone of manners (costumbrismo) and a moralizing purpose. A key representative is Pedro Antonio de Alarcón, author of The Three-Cornered Hat.

Realism

Spanish Realism began with the works of Benito Pérez Galdós and is characterized by an intention to portray society critically. Galdós, born in the Canary Islands, moved to Madrid at 19 and was active in politics as a deputy. His works include:

• National Episodes: A set of 46 novels covering Spanish history from the Battle of Trafalgar to the Restoration.
• Early Novels: These pose conflicts between progressive and conservative ideas, such as La Fontana de Oro and Doña Perfecta.
• Contemporary Spanish Novels: These recreate the society of the time in detail, including Fortunata and Jacinta, Tormento, and Miau.
• Idealistic Novels: Dealing with moral and spiritual nature, such as Nazarín.

Fortunata and Jacinta is considered his masterpiece, depicting the story of two women from different social classes who love the same man.

Other notable realistic authors include:

• Juan Valera: Author of Pepita Jiménez, focusing on family and religious conflicts.
• José María de Pereda: A native of Cantabria (Sotileza and Peñas Arriba) who criticized progress in favor of traditional rural life.

Naturalism

Naturalism sought to recreate the more sordid or "obscene" aspects of reality. Key figures include:

• Emilia Pardo Bazán: The most prominent figure of Spanish Naturalism, author of The House of Ulloa and Mother Nature.
• Vicente Blasco Ibáñez: Author of The Cabin (La Barraca), whose work is marked by violence and set in Valencia.