Realism in Spanish Literature: Narrative & Benito Pérez Galdós

Realism in Spanish Literature: The Narrative Genre

The narrative genre, a cornerstone of literary realism, was the most cultivated form for meticulously describing the reality examined by writers of the era. It is characterized by its profound credibility, presenting stories with authentic facts, characters, and settings that feel significant and genuine.

Key Characteristics of Realist Narrative

• Authentic Characters: Portrays real, everyday individuals, with in-depth analysis of their personalities and behaviors to understand their actions.
• Social Commentary: Addresses rampant collective character (e.g., the feminine), social issues, and conflicts within society, framed by specific time and space.
• Narrative Techniques: Frequently employs in medias res (starting in the middle of the action).
• Detailed Description: Based on thorough observation and documentation, recognizing that setting can be a determinant factor in a protagonist's behavior.
• Stylistic Contrasts: Abundant stylistic contrasts, agile dialogues that effectively characterize individuals.
• Narrator's Voice: Utilizes the omniscient narrator, free indirect style, and interior monologue to delve into characters' thoughts.

The Novel of Manners: A Transitional Form

The novel of manners serves as a crucial transition between Romanticism and Realism. It maintains the distinctive focus on depicting various lifestyles, landscapes, and social strata, particularly in rural areas.

Notable Authors:

• Fernán Caballero
• Palacio Valdés
• José María de Pereda

Benito Pérez Galdós: Master of Spanish Realism

Benito Pérez Galdós, a figure of immense cultural background and liberal ideas, is a towering presence in Spanish realism. His works are distinguished by their insightful social criticism, particularly targeting the bourgeoisie and sectors resistant to change, while often showing condescension towards disadvantaged classes.

Galdós's Literary Style and Character Portrayal

Galdós paid particular attention to the psychological portraits of his characters, delving into their attitudes and behaviors. His masterful style is characterized by:

• Expert description of environments.
• Agile and expressive language.
• Dialogues that vividly characterize the individuals.

Key Works of Benito Pérez Galdós

Episodios Nacionales

This monumental work comprises forty-six short stories, organized into five series of ten episodes each. They offer a fictionalized portrayal of 19th-century Spain through the lives of fictional characters intertwined with historical events. Some notable examples include:

• Trafalgar
• Bailén
• España sin rey (Spain Without a King)

Categorization of Galdós's Novels

Galdós's extensive novelistic output can be broadly classified according to their period and subject matter:

• Novels of Early Days: These are often politically charged, with the narrator making explicit value judgments against the characters' attitudes.
  • Example: Doña Perfecta
• Contemporary Novels: These works critically and impartially portray Madrid society, showing a shift towards Naturalism and refining the profiles of characters who reflect diverse social classes.
  • Examples: Fortunata y Jacinta, Tristana, Miau
• Spiritualist Novels: These later novels incorporate evangelical and Christian values such as love and charity, featuring humble characters imbued with strong moral values.
  • Examples: Nazarín, Misericordia (Mercy)