Analysis of Characters and Themes in Niebla by Miguel de Unamuno

Posted on Sep 29, 2024 in Language

Character Analysis in Niebla

Augusto Perez

• Reflexive:

  Augusto constantly reflects on his actions and experiences. For example, he discusses his feelings and events with his dog, Orpheus, and his friend Victor.

• Lovesick:

  Augusto experiences intense passion for women, as seen in his confusion between Eugenia and Rosario and his conversations with Victor about love.

• Filial Love:

  Augusto demonstrates deep love for his mother through frequent memories and reflections on her influence.

Eugenia Domingo del Arco

• Proud:

  Eugenia initially treats Augusto with indifference and displays pride, especially after he settles the mortgage on her house.

• Infidel:

  Eugenia’s infidelity is evident when she leaves with Mauricio before her marriage to Augusto, despite their engagement.

• Endeavoring:

  Eugenia shows determination to support herself and Mauricio, even if he remains unemployed, and works hard to repay the mortgage.

Rosario

• True:

  Rosario’s genuine love for Augusto is unwavering, despite Mauricio’s attempts to create conflict. She remains faithful and devoted to Augusto.

• Compliant:

  As a servant, Rosario displays obedience to her employers. However, she maintains respect and decorum even in more casual interactions with Augusto.

• Suspicious:

  Rosario expresses insecurity and questions Augusto about other women, particularly Eugenia, due to her own feelings.

Ermelinda

• Ambitious:

  Ermelinda’s ambition is evident in her encouragement of Eugenia to marry Augusto for financial gain.

• Conflict-Prone:

  Ermelinda frequently argues with her husband, Don Fermín, on various topics, including anarchism and Esperanto.

• Conservative:

  Ermelinda disapproves of Eugenia’s relationship with Mauricio unless he secures employment, reflecting her traditional views.

Key Themes and Events in Niebla

Augusto’s Existential Crisis

Augusto’s encounter with Eugenia and Rosario leads to an existential crisis. He grapples with questions of reality and fiction, blurring the lines between his experiences and the author’s narrative. This is highlighted in his conversation with Victor about the concept of “nivola,” where the author becomes a “toy” of their own creation.

The Nivola Concept

The term “nivola” reflects the ambiguity between reality and fiction within the novel. Augusto’s life takes unexpected turns, leading him to question whether his experiences are genuine or merely a product of the author’s imagination. This blurring of boundaries is central to the novel’s exploration of existential themes.

Chapter XXIX Summary

In Chapter XXIX, Augusto faces devastation after Eugenia leaves him for Mauricio just before their wedding. Victor attempts to console him, but Augusto contemplates suicide. He recalls a conversation with Miguel de Unamuno (the author) about suicide, where Unamuno initially advises against it but eventually relents. Augusto ultimately dies upon returning home, leaving Unamuno to ponder the implications of his character’s actions and the nature of fiction and reality. The chapter concludes with Unamuno considering the possibility of resurrecting Augusto but ultimately deciding against it after a dream encounter where Augusto asserts his own existence and autonomy.