Analysis of Camilo José Cela’s “The Hive”
Prose and Verse
Verse
Verse is a form of literary expression that follows specific rules and rhythms. Texts written in verse are called poems. Poems are divided into verses, lines, and stanzas.
Prose
Prose is a form of expression not subject to a specific rhythm or structure. Prose writings are made up of sentences and paragraphs.
Literary Figures
Literary figures are mechanisms used by authors to elevate their text beyond everyday language, making it beautiful, inspiring, innovative, and attention-grabbing.
Bimembración
The joint presentation of two synonyms or similar elements with the same syntactic function. Example: The best and most honest friend.
Hyperbaton
The alteration of the normal order of words in a sentence. Example: Well, you will be thrown a little off balance, baby.
Asyndeton
The omission of conjunctions in a list. Example: You have to go outside, hurry! Playing our flutes, raising our soles, burning with joy.
Ellipsis
The removal of one or more words in a sentence or verse. Example: At a glance, a world; for a smile, a kiss; one kiss… I don’t know what I’d give for a kiss!
Anaphora
The repetition of one or more words at the beginning of one or more verses. Example: My homeland is a wind […] My homeland is a dream […]
Polysyndeton
The repetition of conjunctions in a phrase or verse. Example: …and turns, […] the seagull cries and the man […]
Parallelism
The repetition of the same structure. Example: Free, […] But I love mine. […] But not mine.
Alliteration
The repetition of the same sound to create a certain effect. Example: In my hands, I raised a storm of stones, beams, and screeching axes, thirsty for disaster and hungry.
Hyperbole
An exaggerated statement to call the reader’s attention. Example: I’ve told you a thousand times.
Antithesis
The juxtaposition of two terms with opposite meanings. Example: Light and shadow, black and white.
Paradox
A seemingly contradictory expression where the terms reconcile to create a new meaning. Example: I live without living in myself.
Metonymy
Referring to a real term with an imaginary one that is close or adjacent in meaning. Example: I bet you a euro on it.
Synecdoche
A type of metonymy where the whole is used for the part or the part for the whole. Example: There were twenty head of cattle.
Synesthesia
Combining two sensations perceived by different senses. Example: Sun noise.
Personification
Attributing human qualities to inanimate objects or animals. Example: A bird told me.
Simile
Comparing a real term with an imaginary one based on similarity. Example: Like a dog that has forgotten that trail or scent.
Metaphor
Identifying a real word with an imaginary term based on resemblance. Example: The onion is frost shut in and poor. There are two types of metaphors: pure and impure.
Allegory
The use of an extended metaphor to transform the overall meaning of a text. Example: Our lives are the rivers that flow to the sea.
Analysis of “The Hive” by Camilo José Cela
Characters
Over two hundred characters appear and disappear briefly throughout the novel. No single character stands out as the protagonist; rather, the community itself acts as the protagonist. Most of the characters are mediocre and morally ambiguous.
- Martín Marco: A struggling writer.
- Doña Rosa: The stingy and abusive owner of the café “La Delicia.”
- Doña Visi: Doña Rosa’s violent sister and Roque’s wife.
- Filo: Don Roberto’s wife and Martín’s sister, struggling financially.
- Don Roberto: Filo’s husband, working multiple jobs to support his family.
- Miss Elvira: A lonely prostitute.
- Victorita: A young woman who sells herself to buy medicine and food for her sick boyfriend.
- Don Roque: Doña Visi’s unfaithful husband.
- Julia: Don Roque and Doña Visi’s daughter.
Cela’s descriptions are detailed and often highlight the characters’ flaws and vulnerabilities.
Structure
“The Hive” is divided into six chapters, each with variable-length sequences, and an epilogue. The novel lacks a traditional plot or conclusion, offering a glimpse into the lives of its characters during a specific time period. The chapters are lengthy and feature a mix of narrative and dialogue.
- Chapter I: Focuses on humiliation and ends at night.
- Chapter II: Explores the theme of poverty.
- Chapter III: Centers on boredom and takes place on the second afternoon.
- Chapter IV: Deals with sex as an escape from humiliation and boredom, occurring on the first day of the week.
- Chapter V: Explores concealment and individualization, set on the second evening.
- Chapter VI: Addresses societal attitudes towards the civil war and politics, taking place at dawn on the second day.
- Epilogue: Describes events a few days after the second day.
The chronological order of events differs from the order of the chapters. A linear structure would place the chapters in the order I, II, IV, V, III, VI, Epilogue.
Summary
“The Hive” paints a raw and realistic picture of post-war Spain through Cela’s masterful use of language. The novel follows a group of characters in Madrid over three days, struggling with poverty and lack of opportunity. The interconnected stories explore themes of loneliness, desperation, violence, and sex, offering a critique of the social situation of the time.