Tristana & Luces de Bohemia: 19th & 20th Century Spanish Literature

Tristana by Benito Pérez Galdós: Historical and Literary Context

The 19th-century work, Tristana, by Benito Pérez Galdós, was written in 1892. This period was characterized by the contrast between political stability, with the alternating power between conservatives and liberals, and the growing threat to the bourgeoisie's privileged position posed by developing labor movements.

In the literary context, Tristana, a realist novel, is marked by a spiritualistic naturalism. It features an introspective approach to the characters and a concern for their spiritual conflicts. The novel emphasizes the idealism of the characters, and the description of reality becomes less important.

Key Aspects of *Tristana*

The most striking aspect of the work is the transformation experienced by the characters. Specifically, the decline into complacency that occurs in Tristana after her initial liberation, and how the stark reality of her situation eventually leads her to abandon her idealism.

Luces de Bohemia by Valle-Inclán: Historical and Literary Context

The work from the first half of the 20th century, Luces de Bohemia, by Ramón María del Valle-Inclán, is set during the end of the Restoration period, encompassing two military coups. This era, ruled by Alfonso XIII, spanned from 1887 to 1923. It was a time when the government alternated between conservative and liberal parties.

Regarding the literary context, the work belongs to Valle-Inclán's theatrical repertoire. Grotesque scenes are combined, reflecting the play's genre. It is a work that belongs to the *esperpento*, a dramatic style that Valle-Inclán based on the systematic distortion of characters and values.

Key Aspects of *Luces de Bohemia*

It is interesting to observe Valle-Inclán's portrayal of Don Latino's destiny: a bon vivant who manages to survive. He is an anti-hero prototype, a societal outcast who prevents those with good intentions from pursuing their ideals. Max is not a bad writer, but Don Latino does not let him thrive. Don Latino takes advantage of Max's blindness and even steals his lottery ticket after his death.