Understanding Internal Monologue and Miguel Delibes' Works

Internal Monologue

The internal monologue is a relatively new expressive form that appeared in North America at the end of the nineteenth century. A great expressive instrument, such as the novel Ulysses by James Joyce (1922). The interior monologue is a form of expression without restraints; sentiment is free. In a digressive way, we go from one topic to another by association of ideas. Originally, in English, it is called "Stream of Consciousness," favoring images that can literally represent what is said, especially with the changes characteristic of indirect speech. The monologue is usually long. The final chapter of Ulysses is the most famous interior monologue. It invents a formula to avoid censorship, where the brake is the existence of a storyteller who tells what another thought. The ideas and words are uncensored, sometimes incorrect, and thereby conveys the authentic feel and thought of the character.

Miguel Delibes: Life and Work

Miguel Delibes was born in Valladolid in 1920 and died there in 2010. He was from a large family and later had seven children. His father was a professor. He studied for a bachelor's degree and trade. He fought in the Civil War on Franco's side. He worked for the newspaper of Valladolid, starting as a sports cartoonist and journalist. Later, he became director of this newspaper, confronted Franco's censorship, and lost his job. At 25, he won a fellowship. In 1946, he married actress Angela de Castro.

In 1947, he won the Nadal Prize.

Works by Miguel Delibes:

• The Shadow of the Cypress is Long (1948)
• The Road (1950)
• Diary of a Hunter (1955)
• Red Leaf (1959)
• Notes (1962)
• Five Hours with Mario (1976)
• The Holy Innocents (1981)
• The Hedge (1998)

Delibes has long been recognized by readers and institutions. His works have been widely read, and he was chosen for the Royal Spanish Academy (SAR). He received the Critics Award, which does not give money but honor. He won the National Prize of Spanish Literature, which did include a monetary award. He also received the Cervantes Prize.

His novel is inserted into traditional realism. It opened new experimental flows in the 20th century. His novels are not based on complex storylines but on the life and authenticity of his characters. Another important element in his vision of the world, conveyed in his novels, is his defense of the individual in a society that crushes authenticity, from social relations that try to corrupt, a humanist vision of man, and finally, religious beliefs: Catholic openings.