The Moral Vacuum: Realism in 19th Century Spanish Society

Critique of Society's Flaws

The author aimed to express a protest against the hypocritical and bourgeois society, exalting its vitality while criticizing the greed and ambition of individuals solely focused on personal enrichment, who lawfully manipulated the weaker. This critique highlights how criminals succeed in society, while the humble and good-hearted fail, as exemplified by Don Victor, while Mesía remains unscathed.

The Pervasive Moral Vacuum

From a moral standpoint, the novel reveals a misrepresentation of ethical values. The moral vacuum permeates all social classes, but it is most clearly reflected within the aristocracy. At the home of the Marquis de Vegallana, a moral code of conduct is established that does not tolerate carelessness. Ana's public acknowledgment of her love for Mesía is not evil per se due to adultery, but rather a challenge to society, especially as she is the judge's wife. No one recognized him as honest. There is no true moral dilemma in the novel, as none of the characters genuinely care about morality. Even the Master suffers from such problems because when Ana goes to confession, she seeks repentance but not affection, which she neither receives nor forgives, contrasting with the Christian morality the novel embodies.

Spain's Restoration Era: A Socio-Political Lens

The novel theoretically reflects the reality of Spain during the period it depicts. It portrays a socio-political world that aligns with the general tone of boredom and dullness of the Restoration era. The proletariat and working people had no respect for anything. Some ideological types are depicted as aligning with the ideological right. Among them, the priest is particularly emphasized, representing a type of clergyman who lacked a true vocation but exploited his position to gain power and social dominance.

Literary Realism and Naturalism

The novel itself belongs to Realism, as evidenced by its distinct features:

• The thoroughness with which the author describes characters and environments, providing physical details, such as the description of Vetusta or “Visitación was tall, blonde, funny...”
• A naturalistic element is present when using sleep, memory, or internal monologue in instances involving characters. For example, when Ana retrospectively recalls her life for General Confession.
• Another feature is a satirical criticism against this type of society.
• It also has a social purpose, criticizing the hypocrisy of some canons.
• The work itself is a profound analysis of the bourgeois mentality.
• Finally, regarding the style, various linguistic registers are used, driven by the large number of characters.