19th-Century Literary Movements: Realism and Naturalism
Realism and Naturalism in 19th-Century Literature
Realism
Realism was a cultural and artistic movement that emerged in 19th-century Europe. While Romanticism persisted, Realism advocated for the truthful and accurate representation of reality, particularly in the historical novel. Custom boxes are considered precursors of Realism.
Key Characteristics of Realism:
- Reflection of Reality: Aimed to depict reality as it is.
- Analysis and Observation: Emphasized objective observation and analysis in their works.
- Preference for the Novel: The novel became the genre of choice for Realists to reflect reality and their time.
- Contemporary Contextualization: Utilized a space-time frame contemporary to the work’s creation for greater objectivity.
- Objectivity: Prioritized objectivity over the subjectivity of previous eras.
- Credible Actions: Actions were credible and tailored to each character, using regionalisms to achieve authentic characterization.
- Social Criticism: Denounced the social situation of the time.
Naturalism
Naturalism emerged from Positivism, a philosophical school that valued only scientific knowledge. Both Naturalism and Positivism posited that human beings are determined by the laws of heredity, social environment, and historical moment, and therefore, are not free.
Key Features of Naturalism:
- Analysis of Unpleasant Realities: Focused on unpleasant realities or problems, such as illness or exclusion.
- Root Cause Analysis: Sought to find the root causes of the problems described, such as family history or unfavorable social environments.
- Search for Solutions: Proposed solutions through healthy alternatives or educational reforms.
- Approach to Scientific Concepts: Incorporated scientific concepts and precepts, using expository texts and descriptions to achieve the objectivity of a scientific study.
- Double Determinism: Emphasized genetic inheritance and environmental factors.
Benito Pérez Galdós
Benito Pérez Galdós was born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and died in Madrid.
Key Features of Galdós’s Work:
- Themes:
- Social Criticism: Focused on the bourgeoisie and stagnant sectors of the past.
- Political Analysis: Offered contemporary political analysis, tinged with liberalism and pessimism.
- Religion and Clergy: Adopted a skeptical stance towards the clergy.
- Characters:
- Paid special attention to psychological portraits.
- Captured attitudes and behaviors to convey a complete picture of the country’s events.
- Style:
- Masterfully described environments, drawing from contemporary inspiration.
- Used agile and expressive language in dialogues to characterize his figures.
- Incorporated humor, irony, and spontaneity.
Works: *Episodios Nacionales* (National Episodes)
Galdós wrote 46 short stories, organized into 5 series of 10 episodes each, except for the last series, which has 6:
- 1873-1875: Focuses on the War of Independence.
- 1875-1879: Covers the end of the war and the reign of Fernando VII.
- 1898-1900: Concentrates on the First Carlist War and part of the reign of Isabel II.
- 1902-1907: Includes the reign of Isabel II until her overthrow in 1868.
- 1907-1912: Ranges from 1868 to the Restoration.