Narrative Techniques and Social Vision in The Hive

Technical Narrative and Chronological Structure

In terms of time, The Hive (1951) takes place over three days. Chapter one occurs on the afternoon of the first day; the second on the evening of the first day; the third on the afternoon of the second day; and the fourth on the evening of the first day. This represents a return to the past, aligning with chapter two. The fifth chapter covers the afternoon and evening of the second day, coinciding with chapter three. The sixth chapter takes place on the morning of the second day, which chronologically falls between chapters two and three. Finally, the final chapter occurs one morning three or four days later.

Therefore, the work undergoes a chronological disorder, presenting events out of the order in which they occurred. It also suffers from a temporal lag because the time devoted to an action does not always match its actual duration. Camilo José Cela gives more importance—and thus more lines—to certain facts despite them being shorter in duration. Additionally, there is simultaneity: actions happen at once but are written sequentially afterwards.

Space and Perspective

There is a reduction of space, as Cela does not represent all parts of Madrid, focusing only on the areas of interest. Cela features the characters from the outside through portraits or dialogue, but always through perspectivism. As the play begins, it maintains perspective; it is always objective, yet descriptions and stories abound. The depiction of rooms is usually done through "brushing" or via loose, detailed scenarios. The novel utilizes a narrator-witness and a selective objectivism.

Vision of Love and Society

This is a society without pretensions that does not aspire to anything in life. Characters are dedicated to passing the time and treating minor issues; they see nothing special in life and maintain a pessimistic vision of it.

Gender Relations and Prostitution

Women are often seen as sexual objects. There is no romantic love; almost every relationship between a man and a woman is purely sexual. When a man sees a woman, he does not think of the time they will spend together, but rather the pleasure she will provide. This is evident in the work's frequent use of brothels—there are three in The Hive. Many husbands, such as Don Roque, deceive their wives. There are also many singles, like Ventura; when he is in a brothel with Julia and she asks if he loves her, he laughs at the question, stating he is only there for pleasure and to be left alone. This demonstrates a lack of romance, aiming only to satisfy physical needs.

Furthermore, due to the economic crisis, many girls turn to prostitution as their only means of survival. Many are not professional prostitutes but seek boyfriends with money to survive, even if they do not truly want to be with them.

Language and Social Class

The members of this society try to appear cultured. Wanting to imitate the upper classes, they use French words (like Don Mario) and some cultisms. However, despite these efforts, their speech remains low-class. The text includes expressions such as:

• Merengao
• Newt
• Cigarette sting
• Cigarette paneled
• Damn it