19th Century Spanish Realism and Naturalism
Realism (1844-1870)
Beginning with Fernán Caballero’s “The Seagull” in 1844, Spanish Realism emerged from the costumbrismo genre, adopting its novel construction techniques. Photography’s invention further influenced this shift. Key characteristics of the realist novel include:
- Traditional structure (beginning, middle, and end, sometimes with an epilogue).
- Chronological linearity.
- Antihero characters: ordinary individuals from the bourgeoisie facing everyday problems.
- Detailed settings as mere backdrops for action, often hindering plot development.
- Third-person omniscient narration.
- Colloquial standard language.
- Non-critical approach, reflecting bourgeois values.
Early Realism, represented by Caballero and others, respected tradition, religion, and homeland, drawing inspiration from Romantic folklore, picaresque novels, Cervantes, and Quevedo. Juan Valera, a contemporary, opted for a more aesthetic approach.
Realism’s Evolution (1870 Onwards)
From 1870, Spanish Realism evolved into a more serious and responsible form. Irony challenged localism and casticismo. Emilia Pardo Bazán played a crucial role by introducing Naturalism to Spain with her book “The Throbbing Question.” Her most important novel, “Los Pazos de Ulloa,” portrays the physical and moral decline of a Galician noble family.
Naturalism
Naturalism, founded in France by Émile Zola, caused controversy due to its perceived anti-religious stance. Its core tenets include:
- Materialism: denial of spiritual reality.
- Genetic and social determinism: human nature is shaped by physiology and social status.
- Focus on the miserable, sordid, and vicious aspects of life, reflected in raw language.
- Critical intent, often addressing social injustice affecting the proletariat.
Due to Spain’s Catholic context, pure Naturalism was not fully embraced. However, critical realism, represented by Benito Pérez Galdós and Leopoldo Alas “Clarín,” incorporated naturalistic elements.
Critical Realism
Influenced by Krausismo (an intellectual movement advocating for education-based reform), Galdós and Clarín depicted bourgeois habits, often criticizing their superficiality. They were anti-clerical, highlighting corruption within the Church, and attacked the Old Regime, reflecting on the dichotomy between tradition and progress.
Their works showcased technical innovations like interior monologue, free indirect style, and narrative polyphony, informed by philosophical positivism.
Key Historical Events and Literary Transformations
Galdós and Clarín witnessed three major historical events:
- The liberal revolution of 1868.
- Restoration.
- The loss of the last Spanish colonies (creating a “moral anemia” in society).
Galdós, embracing various novelistic trends, chronicled Spain’s history in his “Episodios Nacionales,” a novel approach to the historical novel. Other key works include “The Disinherited,” “Fortunata and Jacinta,” “Marianela,” “The Gentle Friend,” and “Miau,” capturing the disillusionment and depression of everyday life.
Clarín’s “The Judge’s Wife,” a psychological masterpiece, explores social dynamics in Vetusta (a fictionalized Oviedo), offering a microcosm of Spanish society. “His Only Son” also deals with adultery, combining psychological depth with social commentary.