Realism and Naturalism in Spanish Poetry, Drama, Narrative

Realism and Naturalism in Spain: Poetry, Drama and Narrative

Although realism came to Spain late, around 1868, realistic literary production led to important development in the narrative genres. The dominance, as in other countries, overshadowed lyric and theater despite the success they achieved in their time by some poets and playwrights. Among the many novelists are Galdós, Clarín, Valera, Pardo Bazán and Blasco Ibáñez.

Lyrical Realism

The realism lírica. The representative poet Ramón de Campoamor is characterized by his antiromanticism and concise moral reflection. Notable works include Dolores, Small Poems and Humor.

Theater and Drama

El teatro. Around 1868 authors such as López de Ayala and Manuel Tamayo cultivated high comedy, the genre characteristic of realism that reflects contemporary society with a gentle critique. The most acclaimed playwright of the time was José Echegaray, winner of the 1904 Nobel Prize; his dramatic work had strong influence toward the end of the century. Galdós's neo-Romantic drama also contributed to the theatrical restoration, and some of his works were adapted for the stage.

Narrative

Narrativa. The novelists of the 1869 generation tested new narrative forms to replace earlier models. The ultimate triumph of the realistic narrative occurs with the publication of La Fontana de Oro by Galdós (1870). To renew narrative, novelists drew on two models: the realist tradition of Spanish literature from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and the contemporary European model. The realist novel integrated European cultural influences and shared its characteristics.

Many novelists reflect the ideology of the writer: Galdós, Clarín, Pardo Bazán and Blasco Ibáñez display sympathy for liberal ideas and emphasize a realistic approach, while Pereda, Alarcón and Catholic conservatives defended positions that favored mimetic realism to resist an idealized Spanish narrative. A regionalist character was established in much production.

Naturalism and Controversy

The naturalism movement arrived in Spain accompanied by fierce controversy. Emilia Pardo Bazán addressed the debate in her essay La cuestión palpitante. In Spanish narrative, critics distinguish between realism and naturalism, and the latter appears in a limited form in some writers, including Galdós, Clarín, Pardo Bazán and Blasco Ibáñez.

Major Novelists and Playwrights

• Benito Pérez Galdós
• Clarín (Leopoldo Alas)
• Valera
• Emilia Pardo Bazán
• Blasco Ibáñez
• Ramón de Campoamor
• López de Ayala
• Manuel Tamayo
• José Echegaray
• Pereda
• Alarcón