19th Century Realism in Spain: A Historical and Cultural Overview
Unit 3: Realism
Historical and Cultural Context
In the latter half of the nineteenth century, the most advanced countries saw the consolidation of the capitalist production system. This led to significant social and political changes, including the expansion of domestic markets, the rise of the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, and the second industrial revolution. These developments fueled both capitalism and the labor movement, giving rise to socialist and anarchist organizations in the final decades of the century. The expansion of free, compulsory primary education was another key social phenomenon of this period, driven by capitalism’s need for a more educated workforce, the desire to unify the new states around core values (language and culture), and the aim to promote public, secular education over Catholic schooling.
Realism in Spain
The second half of the nineteenth century in Spain continued to be marked by disputes between conservatives and liberals, culminating in the end of the Bourbon monarchy and the Revolutionary Sexenio (1868-1874). This period saw measures like universal suffrage, free trade and industry, separation of church and state, and civil marriage. However, conflicts among revolutionary factions led to the Savoy monarchy, the First Republic, and the eventual restoration of the Bourbons under Alfonso XII in a constitutional monarchy where power was pre-arranged and parties alternated in government.
Spanish society remained largely rural. The bourgeoisie, unable to fully realize a liberal revolution or create a robust industrial sector, merged with the aristocracy. Culturally, the clash between conservative and progressive ideas persisted. Liberal thought found expression primarily through Krausist schools, influencing intellectuals like Unamuno and Machado.
Characteristics of Realistic Narrative
Realism, a reaction against Romantic fantasies, aimed to portray contemporary society. Several philosophical movements shaped Realism:
- Comte’s Positivist philosophy emphasized experience and observation as the basis of knowledge.
- Darwin’s theory of evolution posited that life forms evolve through natural selection.
- Marxist philosophy focused on class struggle and the eventual replacement of capitalist society with socialism.
Realism developed from, rather than in opposition to, Romanticism. Both expressed dissatisfaction with reality, but while Romantics sought refuge in dreams and idealism, realists opted for critical examination of the world.
Main Features of Realistic Literature
- Observation and accurate description of reality: Detailed observation was paramount.
- Proximity to the facts: Authors wrote about familiar subjects and their present time.
- Frequent social and political criticism: This varied depending on the author’s ideology.
- Simple and sober style: Clarity and precision were valued to reach a wider audience.
- Preference for the novel: The dominant genre of Realism, with key characteristics including:
- Verisimilitude: Stories presented as slices of life.
- Individual or collective characters: Protagonists as individuals in conflict with society or as social groups offering a broader critique.
- Omniscient narrator: Controlling the narrative and characters’ destinies.
- Didacticism: Conveying a moral or social message.
- Linear structure: Events unfolding chronologically, with occasional flashbacks.
- Detailed description: Vivid portrayals of characters and settings.
- Colloquial language: Reflecting everyday speech and adapting to characters’ backgrounds.
Naturalism
Realism reached its peak around 1880, giving way to Naturalism. Often coexisting, Naturalism differed by:
- Offering not just imitation but social, psychological, and historical studies of reality.
- Focusing on the negative and grotesque aspects of reality.
- Emphasizing hereditary and environmental determinism in shaping characters.
Spanish Naturalism was milder than its European counterpart.
Realism in Spain (Continued)
Realism gained prominence after the 1868 revolution, aided by the rise of journalism. Many writers honed their skills in newspapers, developing a direct and flexible prose style. As Realism flourished, journalistic narratives replaced news reports.
The ideology of Spanish realists manifested in their works:
- Conservatives idealized rural life, portraying characters corrupted by the city.
- Liberals viewed the city as a symbol of progress, contrasting it with the rural world’s problems.
Spanish Realism drew inspiration from European writers and genres, adapting and innovating the novel.
Key Spanish Authors and Works
- Benito Pérez Galdós: Known for his novels, particularly his character development and integration of Spanish history. His works include:
- Episodios Nacionales: 46 short stories reconstructing 19th-century Spanish history.
- First Novels: Thesis novels exploring ideological conflicts, such as Doña Perfecta.
- Contemporary Novels: Set in Madrid, notably Fortunata and Jacinta, delving into characters’ psychologies.
- Later Novels: Featuring fantasy and wonder, such as El caballero encantado.
- Clarín (Leopoldo Alas): Noted for his literary criticism and narrative works blending naturalism and spiritualism. His works include short stories like ¡Adiós, Cordera! and novels like La Regenta, a major work of European Realism.
- Emilia Pardo Bazán: A prolific intellectual, her narrative incorporated naturalistic elements, including detailed descriptions and violent themes. Key works include Los Pazos de Ulloa and La Madre Naturaleza.
- Vicente Blasco Ibáñez: A prolific author of newspaper articles, historical novels, and regionalist works set in Valencia. His novels, such as Arroz y tartana and La Barraca, feature naturalistic elements like social and biological determinism.