19th Century Realism and Naturalism in European and Spanish Literature
The Second Half of the 19th Century in European Literature
The second half of the nineteenth century in Europe saw the consolidation of the bourgeoisie and the emergence of workers and trade union movements, alongside the rise of socialism, Marxism, and anarchism.
Spain in the 19th Century
The period began with the reign of Elizabeth II, daughter of Ferdinand VII. In 1868, a progressive revolution forced the royal family into exile, leading to the Revolutionary Six-Year (1868-1874) and the proclamation of the First Republic (1873). In 1875, the Bourbon monarchy was reinstated with Alfonso XII, son of Elizabeth II, beginning the Restoration period that aimed to address Spain’s challenges.
Realist Literature
Characteristics
Realism replaced Romantic literature with observation and accurate representation of the environment. Its intention was to portray and critique contemporary society, aiming to transform and improve it through literature. Authors favored the realistic novel as the genre best suited for their purposes, and it became the preferred form for the audience.
The Realistic Novel
Key characteristics of the realistic novel include:
- Interest in everyday reality and contemporary subjects
- Search for objectivity and realism
- Authorial presence and critique
- Use of the omniscient narrator
- Simple and clear style
- Meticulous recreation of character speech
Realism in Europe
Realistic Novel in France
- Red and Black (1830) by Stendhal (1783-1842) is considered a precursor to the realist novel.
- Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850) wrote a series of novels, grouped under the title The Human Comedy, which portrays French society.
- Gustave Flaubert (1821-1880) authored Madame Bovary, a novel narrated in the third person that explores the passions and romantic dreams of Emma Bovary.
- Émile Zola (1840-1902), a key figure in Naturalism, wrote novels like L’Assommoir (The Drinking Den) or Nana, which show the influence of deterministic ideas.
Russian Realist Novel
- Fyodor M. Dostoevsky (1821-1881) wrote works such as Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov, which delve into the psychology of tormented characters.
- Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) addressed the issue of adultery in Anna Karenina and painted an ambitious portrait of nineteenth-century Russia in War and Peace.
Realism and Naturalism in Spain (3 Stages)
Prerealism
Beginning in 1849, prerealism featured novels of manners with a moralizing purpose. La Gaviota (The Seagull), which tells the story of a young girl’s emotional life, is an example of this period. The protagonist symbolizes the transformation of society at the time. Authors favored colorful and picturesque details and defended traditional values. The main representative of prerealism was Pedro Antonio de Alarcón (1833-1891), author of short stories and novels. His most famous novel, The Three-Cornered Hat, tells the story of a mayor who tries to seduce a miller’s wife and the miller’s eventual revenge.
Realism
Realism began in 1870 with the publication of La Fontana de Oro by Benito Pérez Galdós. It is characterized by a critical intention to portray contemporary realities.
- Juan Valera (1824-1905) published his most important work, Pepita Jiménez, in 1874. This epistolary novel recounts the love between a seminarian and his father’s fiancée.
- José María de Pereda (1833-1906) wrote novels set in his native Cantabria, such as Sotileza and Peñas Arriba, which praise rural life and criticize progress.
Naturalism
The first naturalist works appeared in 1881. Naturalism depicts the most sordid aspects of reality.
Prominent Naturalists:
- Emilia Pardo Bazán (1851-1921) was the most outstanding naturalist writer. Her novels Los Pazos de Ulloa and La Madre Naturaleza, both set in the Galician countryside, explore the theme of environmental determinism.
- Vicente Blasco Ibáñez (1867-1928) authored works such as La Barraca and Cañas y Barro, set in the Valencian region and depicting a world marked by violence and fatality.
Benito Pérez Galdós (1843-1920)
Born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Galdós moved to Madrid at age 19 and spent most of his life there. He was involved in politics and became a deputy. His novels can be classified into four groups:
- Episodios Nacionales: Reconstructed the history of Spain in the 19th century, from the Battle of Trafalgar (1805) to the beginning of the Restoration (1875).
- Early Novels: Explored the conflict between progressive and conservative ideas that hindered the modernization of the country.
- Novelas Españolas Contemporáneas: Recreated in detail the society and characters of the period.
- Idealistic Novels: Composed after 1889.
Leopoldo Alas, “Clarín” (1852-1901)
Born in Zamora, Alas moved to Oviedo with his family in 1863. He studied law and was a professor at the University of Oviedo from 1883 until his death. He was also a renowned journalist and literary critic.
Narrative Work
Alas authored two novels, La Regenta (The Regent’s Wife) and Su Único Hijo (His Only Son), as well as numerous tales and short stories.
La Regenta (The Regent’s Wife)
La Regenta details Ana’s adultery. Other sub-themes include the clash of social classes and customs, history, the power of the church, the myth of Don Juan in the character of Don Álvaro, and his ambition for personal power.