Realism and Naturalism: Characteristics and Spanish Authors

Realism: Literary Movement and Characteristics

Realism is the expression of the dominant mentality of the liberal bourgeoisie era. It primarily adopted the novel form because the characteristics of this literary movement were best suited to it, although poetry and theater also saw significant growth.

In Spain, Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes is often cited as a precursor to the movement.

Key Features of Realism

• Observation of Reality: The mentality of the time prioritized the rational analysis of reality, excluding concepts inherited from Romanticism.
• Plausibility: The literary work must construct a narrative similar to the real world. The novel emphasizes the description of space, characters, and daily events.
• Tendency toward Objectivity: The writer often has a critical intention toward society and cannot entirely avoid injecting personal views and values into the works. Nevertheless, objectivity remains the goal.
• Protagonists with Deep Psychological Characterization: The writer shows the inner world of human beings in their relations with society. Characters typically originate from the urban middle class.
• Preference for Linear Structure: The stories are structured with a beginning, middle, and ending, following a linear temporal sequence.
• Simple Style: Realistic novels shun rhetorical and poetic expressions in favor of common language use.

Benito Pérez Galdós: Stages of Literary Development

Almost all of Galdós's novels are set in nineteenth-century Madrid.

Galdós's Literary Stages

1. First Stage (Novels of Thesis): Characters are defined by their civic virtues, such as faith in the ideals of progress and modernity, and are often victims of conservative forces.
2. Second Stage (Naturalist Influence): Galdós focuses particularly on the inner world of characters, featuring numerous secondary actions that weave the vast tapestry of community life.
3. Third Stage (Spiritualist Novels): Galdós presents exemplary characters, full of generosity and compassion.

Naturalism: Origins and Core Thesis

Naturalism is a literary movement born in France around 1870.

The main thesis of this movement is that, just as living organisms depend on biological heritage and the natural environment, the characters in the novels act conditioned by their temperamental predispositions and the social environment—often sordid and degraded—in which they live.

Leopoldo Alas "Clarín" and Naturalist Influence

For Clarín, the city is more than just scenery; it is an active element in the inner conflict of the protagonist (e.g., Ana Ozores). The character is involved in the collective moods of the city, and these influences shape their decisions.

The influence of Naturalism is evident in how environmental elements condition the behavior of his characters.

Emilia Pardo Bazán: Introducing Naturalism in Spain

Emilia Pardo Bazán was the writer who introduced Naturalism to Spain.

Her works, often set in rural Galicia (a region she knew well), reflect a backward rural society lacking spiritual horizons. She portrays characters who are ignorant, brutal, decadent, and degraded by poverty and instinct.