Spanish Literary Movements: Realism, Naturalism, and Galdós

Realism in the Second Half of the Nineteenth Century

Realism flourished during the second half of the nineteenth century.

Key Traits of Realism

• Opposition to Romanticism: Rejection of subjective and fantastic works.
• Focus on Daily Life: Arguments are based on daily life and the social, political, cultural, and economic issues produced by industrialization and scientific/technological progress.

Fiction and Representatives

The primary genres were the novel and the short story (cuento). Key representatives include Juan Valera, Benito Pérez Galdós, and Emilia Pardo Bazán.

Novel Features

• Scientific Description: Although aiming for accuracy, descriptions are not totally objective (authors often use irony, personification, and comparison).
• Perspective: Omniscient.
• Themes: Conflict between progress and tradition, institutions, social classes, and their customs.
• Style: Simple and sober, sometimes incorporating colloquial language.

Naturalism: Accuracy and Environmental Influence

Naturalism consists of realistic works focused on accuracy, where human actions are explained as the result of genetic inheritance or environmental influence.

Naturalist Postures

Adherents maintain a scientific approach in their work (providing many details) but do not achieve complete objectivity. Two distinguished positions emerged:

1. Conservative: Intended to restore religion, family, and honor.
2. Progressive: Supported social withdrawal and the establishment of liberal thought.

Narrative Characteristics

Naturalism influenced authors like Galdós, Pardo Bazán, and Blasco Ibáñez. It features the reproduction of the more unpleasant environments of society, whose behavior is marked by biological heredity or social circumstance, aiming for a true reproduction of society.

Benito Pérez Galdós (1843–1920)

Benito Pérez Galdós was the Spanish representative of the distinguished realist novel.

Major Works and Novel Groups

National Episodes

These works were inspired by 19th-century Spanish history. Galdós observed his own time, aiming to improve the life of the country.

Contemporary Novels (Divided into 3 Groups)

1. Thesis Novels: With a progressive spirit, these tell the negative consequences of intolerance (characters face conservatives versus liberals). Example: Doña Perfecta.
2. Contemporary Novels: These have a critical purpose (omniscient perspective), focusing on unresolved problems in society. They feature precise descriptions of Madrid environments observed by the author. Example: Fortunata y Jacinta.
3. Spiritual Novels: These feature kind and merciful personalities. Galdós demonstrates hope for a better society, separate from the interference of politicians.