Social Transformations and the Rise of Realist Fiction

Social and Economic Transformations in the Late 19th Century

The second half of the 19th century was marked by significant social and economic transformations, including the consolidation of the bourgeoisie and the emergence of worker and trade union movements, such as socialism, Marxism, and anarchism. In 1875, the Restoration era began.

Realist Literature: Characteristics

Realism replaced the exaltation of Romanticism with observation and accurate representation of the environment. Its intention was to portray and criticize the society of the time with the goal of transforming and improving it.

The Realistic Novel

• Focus on Everyday Reality: Replaces historical or exotic themes.
• Objectivity: A search for realism and critical perspective.
• Narrative Style: Use of an omniscient narrator, sober and accessible language, and careful recreation of character speech.

Realism in Europe

France was the cradle of the realistic novel:

• Stendhal: Author of The Red and the Black, a precursor to realism.
• Honoré de Balzac (1799–1850): Created the series The Human Comedy.
• Gustave Flaubert (1821–1880): Author of Madame Bovary.
• Émile Zola: The driving force behind Naturalism, known for works like The Drunkard (L'Assommoir) and Nana.

Realism and Naturalism in Spain

The movement in Spain developed in three stages:

1. Pre-Realism (Starting in 1849)

Began with the publication of Fernán Caballero's novels of manners, which had a moralizing purpose. A key representative is Pedro Antonio de Alarcón (1833–1891), author of The Three-Cornered Hat.

2. Realism (Starting in 1870)

Characterized by critical intent, beginning with the publication of Benito Pérez Galdós's The Golden Fountain. Other notable authors include:

• Juan Valera: Published Pepita Jiménez in 1874.
• José María de Pereda: Wrote novels set in his native Cantabria, such as Sotileza and Peñas arriba.

3. Naturalism (Starting in 1881)

Driven by the influence of Zola, this stage presents a deterministic reality. Characters are victims of their condition, influenced by genetic inheritance and the environment, which hinder their freedom. Key authors include:

• Leopoldo Alas (Clarín)
• Emilia Pardo Bazán: Advocate of naturalism, author of The House of Ulloa and Mother Nature.
• Vicente Blasco Ibáñez: Author of The Cabin and Reeds and Mud.