Realistic Catalan Romance Novel: Structure and Style

Form: External Structure

The work is realistic in regard to the characters. Each character in the work is portrayed in the best and most suitable way for them. External structure: The text is divided into three parts. Each part has its chapters. The story is followed throughout the three parts and the theme does not change; the story simply evolves. No sequences or slogans are present.

Form: Internal Structure

Internal structure: The pace is slow because events unfold very gradually. The author describes many places throughout the novel, which contributes to the slow tempo. Maruja, who is gravely ill, will only live for two more months or so, yet the narrative often feels as if it lasts much longer. It is also a middle section in that the work gives a start by introducing characters and locations, but it does not conclude—the ending is open. The events move slowly. The novel is a romance with a sarcastic tone.

Narrative Perspective and Style

The novel is told in third person. There is plenty of dialogue between characters, especially between Teresa and Manolo, and Maruja and Manolo. The author writes in the style that is most convenient for the piece. The narrative viewpoint is objective.

Internal Monologue and Voice

Internal monologue: Presented in direct style, rendered in third-person speech (the narrator's version). Style: The structure is enclosed.

Setting and Tense

The atmosphere of the story is primarily urban, because it takes place in different locations: the beach, Barcelona, Blanes, Park Güell, Reus, and others. It is written in the past tense because the story is set between the ages of about 50 and 55 or so.

Characters and Psychology

The nature of the characters: There are members of the Catalan bourgeoisie who have money, but there are also other characters who do not have as much money as Manolo, the Cardinal, or the character nicknamed the "syringe." Psychologically, the novel is not entirely happy; it has its moments of joy but tends toward sadness—especially when Molly dies. The novel is written according to the literary fashions of the time in which it is set.

Conclusion

CONCLUSION: In my opinion, this book is interesting but becomes a bit long to read because it explains everything very carefully and events happen too slowly. Nevertheless, it is entertaining and reads well.

It is a realistic document because it tells the story of a young man and his love for Maruja, Teresa, and Hortensia (the "syringe"), and it chronicles what happens to them.

From a psychological perspective, the novel is neither entirely sad nor wholly happy; it is intermediate. It has moments of nostalgia and sadness, but there are occasional funny moments, though not in excess.