Realistic Literature: Characteristics and Spanish Masters

Realistic Literature: Characteristics and Context

Realistic literature is the transition from the sentimental exaltation and imaginative deployment of Romantic literature to the observation and accurate representation of the environment. Its intention was not to evade reality and formulate unattainable ideas, as in Romanticism, but to portray the society of its time with the desire to transform and improve it. The novel was the literary genre best suited to these purposes. It was also the favorite genre of the public belonging to the bourgeoisie, who saw their interests and concerns there.

The Realistic Novel: Themes and Techniques

The realistic novel shows a concern for reality and the everyday; historical themes and exotic settings were substituted for contemporary characters and locations. It addresses social and political conflicts of the time. In the pursuit of objectivity and realism, the author's intention was to construct a literary world that was a faithful representation of reality. There is a critical presence where the author expresses opinions through the narrator. By using the omniscient narrator, the author could analyze the thoughts and emotions of the characters. The style is plain and simple, chasing an objective language that is precise and clear. There is a meticulous recreation of the speech of the characters; dialogue became more important, and speech corresponded to social class.

The Rise of Spanish Realism

Realism in Spain began in 1870 with La Fontana de Oro (The Golden Fountain) by Benito Pérez Galdós, showing an eagerness to portray and criticize contemporary reality with a more objective attitude. Other key figures include:

• Juan Valera: He influenced the movement with Pepita Jiménez, an epistolary novel in which he recounts the love between Luis de Vargas and his father's fiancée, Pepita.
• José María de Pereda: He wrote novels set in Cantabria, such as Sotileza or Peñas Arriba (Rocks Above), which praise rural life and criticize progress.

Benito Pérez Galdós: Life and Literary Features

Benito Pérez Galdós was born in 1843 and died in 1920, actively participating in politics. His work features a reflection of the society of the time, with specific attention to characters, customs, places, and environments in Madrid. He utilized abundant documentation, detailed characterization, and the integration of daily life with historical facts through a combination of different narrative techniques.

Major Works of Galdós

• Episodios Nacionales: These consist of 46 stories that provide a novelization of nineteenth-century perspectives and events (stories related by anonymous witnesses of the facts).
• First Period Novels: These are novels of ideology or "thesis novels" representing the author's views; they defended progressive positions while combating political intransigence and religious fanaticism.
• Contemporary Novels: These reflect the society and environment of Madrid of the time. Galdós does not condemn the characters according to their ideas but observes and analyzes their environment using naturalistic techniques and procedures.
• Spiritual Novels: These focus on the inner world and values such as charity, featuring individuals of humble origins but great moral grandeur.