Spanish Literary Realism: Galdós, Clarín, and Their Masterpieces
Realism
Born in opposition to the previous century's romantic exaggeration, Realism focuses on the political and social problems brought about by the Industrial Revolution. Among these problems, we highlight the poverty and exploitation of the working class in contrast to the wealthy bourgeoisie.
Characteristics of Realism
- Focuses on the bourgeoisie.
- Subjective elements are eliminated to make way for objectivity.
- Reflects social classes in a simple and clear manner.
- Critiques society, especially the bourgeoisie.
- Provides detailed descriptions of scenarios and environments.
- Includes in-depth analysis of the characters' personalities.
Authors of European Realism
- Stendhal
- Balzac
- Gustave Flaubert
- Charles Dickens
- Juan Valera: Pepita Jiménez
- Leopoldo Alas "Clarín": Known for literary critique articles, tales like ¡Adiós, Cordera!, and novels such as La Regenta and Su único hijo.
- Benito Pérez Galdós: Author of Doña Perfecta, Fortunata y Jacinta, and Misericordia.
Leopoldo Alas "Clarín" (La Regenta)
The work meticulously analyzes the ancient and corrupted environment of Vetusta (Oviedo), the city where the action unfolds.
Argument
The central character is Ana Ozores, the wife of the old regent, Don Víctor. Ana is a woman unsatisfied with her marriage who becomes attracted to two men: her confessor, Fermín de Pas, and a Don Juan figure, Álvaro Mesiá. Her husband fights a duel with Álvaro and dies. Ana is then abandoned and marginalized by society.
Theme
The main theme is the adultery of Ana Ozores. Critical topics also appear, such as social classes, the power of the Church, the "donjuanismo" archetype, and ambition.
Structure
The work is divided into two parts:
- The first 15 chapters cover 3 days and describe the people and the city of Vetusta.
- The last 15 chapters are set over 3 years and describe the relationships between the characters.
Benito Pérez Galdós (Fortunata y Jacinta)
Argument
The story takes place in Madrid. Juanito, Fortunata's lover, marries his cousin Jacinta. However, Fortunata becomes pregnant by Juanito, and he leaves her. A short time later, Fortunata falls in love with Maxi Rubín, whom she marries. On the same day, she begins a relationship with Juanito again and becomes pregnant once more. Fortunata gives the child to Jacinta and dies shortly after.
Theme
The fundamental themes are deception, infidelity, Jacinta's infertility, motherhood, and historical events.
Structure
It is structured in 4 parts:
- A period of 5 years where the love triangle between Jacinta, Fortunata, and Juanito is established, ending with the abandonment of Fortunata when she is left pregnant.
- A period of one year where Fortunata marries Maxi Rubín and begins her second relationship with Juanito.
- A period of 8 months where Juanito leaves Fortunata again, who then reconciles with her husband.
- A period of 6 months where Fortunata dies after delivering her child to Jacinta.