Realism and Modernism in 19th Century Spanish Literature
Realism
Historical Context
Ideological Aspect
Promoted by the French philosopher Auguste Comte, positivism emphasized observation and data analysis, leading to scientific breakthroughs in fields like medicine. This emphasis on scientific inquiry influenced literature, as novelists began to depict characters with greater physiological and psychological detail. Darwin’s theories of evolution and Mendel’s work on genetics further shaped literary realism, prompting authors to explore how heredity and environment shaped their characters. Marxism, with its focus on class struggle and social inequality, also played a significant role in shaping the themes of realist literature.
Another influential philosophical current was spiritualism, championed by Schopenhauer, which explored themes of metaphysics and the human condition, leaving its mark on the literature of the late 19th century.
Political Aspect
Liberalism continued to evolve, branching into conservatism and progressivism. The bourgeoisie, having gained power, aligned themselves with conservative forces, often siding with the clergy and the military. Within the bourgeoisie, some factions remained committed to the proletariat. Conservatism held sway in countries like England and Russia, where established hierarchies resisted change. Progressive voices emerged, particularly among artists and writers, who believed in the power of art to effect social change.
Concept of Realism
Realism emerged as an artistic movement in France, spreading throughout Europe. Its primary aim was to depict the realities of contemporary social, political, and economic life. Authors like Stendhal sought to portray reality objectively, without embellishment or idealization. His novels, such as Red and Black and The Charterhouse of Parma, reflect this commitment to realism.
Gustave Flaubert, another key figure in the realist movement, is best known for his novel Madame Bovary, a seminal work of realism that explores themes of social alienation and the search for fulfillment. Other notable realist authors include Jules Verne, known for his works of science fiction, and Charles Dickens, whose novels often addressed social issues and the plight of the underprivileged, as seen in his novel Oliver Twist.
In Russia, realism took on distinct characteristics, with authors like Dostoevsky and Tolstoy exploring philosophical and spiritual themes alongside social realism.
Narrative Genre
The novel flourished during this period, driven by a growing readership and the rise of the press. Novels were often serialized in newspapers, allowing authors to gauge public interest and adjust their narratives accordingly. The realist novel, drawing inspiration from Cervantes’ Don Quixote, reflected the concerns and complexities of contemporary society.
Realistic Narrative Character
Thematic Characteristics
Protagonists in realist novels were often members of the bourgeoisie, and the themes explored reflected their concerns: family, love, and social mobility. Marriage, particularly between individuals of different social classes, was a recurring theme, often highlighting the challenges and conflicts inherent in such unions. Adultery, incest, and other forms of forbidden love also featured prominently in realist literature.
Realist novels provided detailed descriptions of both urban and rural settings, reflecting the social and economic realities of the time. The dualities of city and countryside, tradition and modernity, were often explored.
Formal Features
- Documentation: Authors relied on observation, research, and documentation to create realistic portrayals of their characters and settings.
- Objective Descriptive Portrait: Characters were described in detail, both physically and psychologically, with an emphasis on objectivity.
- Etopeya: Authors delved into the psychological depths of their characters, exploring their emotions, motivations, and inner conflicts.
- Pragmatopeya: Detailed descriptions of processes and events added to the realism of the narrative.
- Cronographia: The chronology of events, both social and political, was meticulously documented.
- Topography: Settings, whether real or fictional, were described with precision, creating a vivid sense of place.
- Characters: Characters were complex and multifaceted, often representing different social classes and viewpoints.
Types of Narrators
- Omniscient Narrator: The most common type of narrator in realist novels, the omniscient narrator had complete knowledge of the characters and events, providing an objective perspective.
- Impartial Narrator: This type of narrator remained detached from the story, recording events without offering personal opinions or judgments.
Character Types
- Ideologized Characters: Characters often embodied specific ideologies or beliefs, allowing authors to explore different perspectives on social and political issues.
- Characters in Conflict: Characters often found themselves at odds with society, their beliefs challenged by prevailing norms.
- Individual and Round Characters: Characters evolved throughout the narrative, their experiences shaping their beliefs and actions.
Naturalism
Emerging from realism, naturalism, spearheaded by Émile Zola, applied scientific principles to literature. Naturalists believed that heredity and environment were the primary determinants of human behavior. Zola’s novels, such as Germinal and L’Assommoir, exemplify the naturalist aesthetic, exploring themes of social determinism and the harsh realities of working-class life.
In Spain, Emilia Pardo Bazán played a key role in introducing naturalism. Her novel La cuestión palpitante (The Burning Question) sparked debate about the role of determinism in literature.
Benito Pérez Galdós (1843-1920)
Considered one of the most important Spanish novelists of the 19th century, Galdós’s works offer a panoramic view of Spanish society during the Restoration period. His novels often explored themes of social change, political intrigue, and the clash between tradition and modernity.
Major Works
- La Fontana de Oro (The Fountain of Gold)
- Doña Perfecta
- Fortunata y Jacinta (Fortunata and Jacinta)
- M Marianela
- Tormento (Torment)
- La de Bringas (The Bringas Woman)
Leopoldo Alas”Clarí” (1852-1901)
Known for his sharp wit and insightful social commentary, Clarín’s most famous work is La Regenta (The Regent), a complex novel that explores themes of hypocrisy, social decay, and the role of the Church in Spanish society.
Modernism
Historical Context
Emerging as a reaction against realism, modernism reflected the anxieties and uncertainties of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It rejected the utilitarian focus of realism, seeking instead to explore new forms of expression and to capture the complexities of modern life.
Influences
- French Symbolism: Poets like Charles Baudelaire, Paul Verlaine, and Stéphane Mallarmé emphasized suggestion, symbolism, and the exploration of subjective experience.
- Parnassianism: This movement, represented by poets like Théophile Gautier, valued formal perfection, restraint, and the use of exotic imagery.
- Impressionism: This artistic movement, with its emphasis on light, color, and fleeting impressions, influenced modernist writers’ use of sensory detail and evocative language.
- Decadence: This late 19th-century movement, associated with writers like Oscar Wilde, rejected Victorian morality and embraced aestheticism and sensual experience.
- American Literature: Writers like Edgar Allan Poe, with his tales of mystery and the macabre, and Walt Whitman, with his innovative use of free verse, influenced modernist writers.
Modernist Themes
- Sensory Exploration: Modernist writers sought to capture the immediacy of experience through vivid sensory imagery and evocative language.
- Romantic Unease: Rejecting bourgeois values, modernist writers explored themes of alienation, longing, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.
- Escapism: Modernist writers often sought refuge in exotic locales, historical periods, or the realm of the imagination.
- Cosmopolitanism: Influenced by globalization and increased travel, modernist writers often set their works in cosmopolitan settings like Paris.
- Love and Eroticism: Love, often depicted as a complex and multifaceted force, was a central theme in modernist literature.
- Melancholy and Tedium: A sense of disillusionment and ennui permeated much of modernist literature.
- American Themes: Modernist writers, particularly in Latin America, explored pre-Columbian myths, indigenous cultures, and the impact of colonialism.
- Search for Poetic Ideal and Harmony: Modernist poets experimented with language, form, and imagery in their quest to create a new and vital poetic language.
Modernist Aesthetics
- Language: Modernist writers sought to revitalize language, using vivid imagery, symbolism, and innovative syntax.
- Metric: Modernist poets experimented with traditional and innovative verse forms, drawing inspiration from both classical and contemporary sources.
Hispano-American Modernism
Rubén Darío (1867-1916)
Considered the father of Spanish American modernism, Darío’s poetry introduced new rhythms, forms, and themes to Spanish literature. His seminal work, Azul... (Blue…), marked a turning point in Spanish American poetry.
Other Key Figures
- José Martí (Cuba)
- Manuel Gutiérrez Nájera (Mexico)
- Julián del Casal (Cuba)
- Leopoldo Lugones (Argentina)
Spanish Modernism
Juan Ramón Jiménez (1881-1958)
Known for his lyrical poetry and his lifelong search for poetic purity, Jiménez’s work evolved through various stages, from early romanticism to a more austere and philosophical style.
Antonio Machado (1875-1939)
Machado’s poetry often reflected a profound sense of melancholy and a deep connection to the landscapes and traditions of Spain. His most famous works include Campos de Castilla (Fields of Castile) and Soledades (Solitudes).
Ramón del Valle-Inclán (1866-1936)
A novelist, playwright, and poet, Valle-Inclán is known for his innovative use of language, his grotesque characters, and his critique of Spanish society. His most famous works include the novel Tirano Banderas (The Tyrant Banderas) and the play Luces de Bohemia (Bohemian Lights).
Analysis of Literary Texts
Summary
Summarizing a text involves condensing its main points into a concise overview. A good summary should accurately represent the original text’s key ideas without adding personal opinions or interpretations.
Contextualization
Contextualizing a text involves understanding its historical, social, and cultural background. This includes identifying key words, phrases, and concepts that are relevant to the text’s meaning.
Internal Structure
Analyzing a text’s internal structure involves examining how it is organized. This includes identifying the text’s main sections, paragraphs, and sentences, as well as any literary devices or rhetorical strategies that are used.
Text Type
Different types of texts serve different purposes and have different characteristics. Identifying the text type helps in understanding its intended audience, purpose, and message.
Transmitter, Receiver, Channel, Code, Message, Function
These elements are part of the communication model and help in understanding how communication takes place within a text.
Language Varieties
Different language varieties, such as dialects, sociolects, and registers, can be used in a text to convey different meanings and to create different effects.
Cohesion
Cohesion refers to the grammatical and lexical links that connect different parts of a text. Cohesive devices, such as pronouns, conjunctions, and synonyms, help to create a sense of flow and unity.
Argumentation
Definition
Argumentation is the process of presenting reasons and evidence to support a claim or point of view. The goal of argumentation is to persuade the audience to accept the speaker’s or writer’s perspective.
Purpose
The purpose of argumentation is to present a clear and convincing argument in order to persuade the audience.
Structural Parts
- Introduction: The introduction introduces the topic and presents the thesis statement.
- Body Paragraphs: The body paragraphs present the supporting arguments and evidence.
- Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the main points and restates the thesis.
Argument Types
- Rational Arguments: Based on logic and reasoning.
- Arguments Based on Fact: Based on verifiable evidence and data.
- Arguments from Authority: Based on the opinions of experts.
- Arguments from Analogy: Based on comparisons to similar situations.
- Arguments from Experience: Based on personal experiences or observations.
- Arguments Based on Proverbs and Sayings: Based on commonly held beliefs.
- Arguments Based on Cause and Effect: Based on the relationship between causes and effects.
Argument Errors
- False Arguments: Arguments that are based on faulty logic or reasoning.
- Fallacies: Errors in reasoning that weaken the argument.
Linguistic Resources
Various linguistic resources, such as rhetorical devices, figurative language, and persuasive techniques, can be used to strengthen an argument.
Poetry Analysis
Example:”Rima VI” by Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer
Bécquer’s poetry is characterized by its lyricism, its themes of love, loss, and longing, and its use of Romantic imagery.”Rima VI” is a quintessential example of Bécquer’s style.
Summary
The poem expresses the speaker’s deep sense of despair and his plea for nature to provide solace from his pain.
Contextualization
Bécquer’s poetry is often seen as a reflection of his own personal struggles with love and loss.”Rima VI” can be interpreted as an expression of his own emotional turmoil.
Internal Structure
The poem consists of four quatrains (four-line stanzas) with an ABAB rhyme scheme. The use of anaphora “¡Llevadme..”) emphasizes the speaker’s desperation.
Text Type
The text is a lyric poem, characterized by its emotional intensity and its focus on personal experience.
Transmitter, Receiver, Channel, Code, Message, Function
predom language, speech varieties (diafasicas-language records or d levels (standard), diatopic-dialects, languages, diastratic-sociolect (common, vulgar, worship) / the text or have consistency because the ideas are well organized thus creating a unitary authority. – the separation of different parts dl in the various subsections text brings order to the story / if we address the related mechanisms cn cohesion, lexical recurrence (repet.palabras, and pal-hyponymy relacion.referencia semantics, hyperonymy) / substitution x preforms (someone) / deixis (personal pronouns-I, endings or inflections 1st per-throw , my adventures, space mov-lle verbs male, rowing, scroll / phoric-anaphora (when to regard this before, those rascalsI miss them ..), cataphora (after) / ellipses, which involves the removal of some elements within the text shows up several veces.. / textual markers opposition (however, but) casualizacion (because), addition (and also ), order (when). ARGUMENTATION: def: to provide reasons xa defend opinion / convince receiver. purpose-build controversial issues, persuade the reader. structural parts of an object or topic: introduction: deductive method (thesis), body argumentation ( argumentation, refutation), conclusion (inductive method: theory). argument types: rational (based on logic), in fact (in observable and objective data), exemplification,, authority, analogy,, experience, based in proverbs and sayings, drawn up on the cause-effect relationship. argum errors types: false arg (not set clear relationship between cause and effect, raise the particular to general) / fallacy (appeal feelings to the receiver, ar.ad baculum (q aqel cnvenciendo just another threat cn), ad hominem (personal attack, insult, which he says, believes otherwise), ad VERECUNDIA (for verification, you rely on one person said the same q-quote your false authority), ad populum (based on what he says all the people to support your theory.) linguistic resources: pragmatic-level fitness-function referncial, Appeals, expressive and metalinguistic / niv.morfologico-nominal character (q habra + nouns verbs) derivation and composition nominal or adjectival, verbal periphrasis,, subjunctive mood prevails (niv.sintact-dominated subordination (coordinal, causal, consecutive, subordinate adjective), abstract nouns enunciativa-interrogativas/niv.lexico-aparecen mode and to a lesser degree the common, recurring semantic (synonymy, conceptual, and referential), and idiomatic paremiología (sayings, proverbs), next to the cultured phraseology can find the popular.POETRY: example (becquer): is a verbal text, writing, aesthetic, intimate dialogue, ambito literario.la poetic function, expressive and conative are dominant in the text; q are directed at elements of nature (waves, clouds, hurricane), q is a characteristic of Rom.tiene elemntos the intention to dwell on those q xa express what feels / appears the poetic “Take, q gives more emphasis to the poem, gives greater sentimiento.es especially in the 4th stanza is dnd see, and here is dnd q gives because of the llevadme.aparece pleads for piedad.hace see in nature to a ‘sister’ saving and q loses the support of God / the issuer is the poet, a romantic writer in circumstances pain, sufrimiento.el receiver is a universal reader of any era since the subject of this poet is universal tb / the way communication is the message verso.el is the poem / the poetry came when the writer decides to share his feeling with the world, is something xo q still captivates who reads / formal structure: the poem is 16versos with 4estrofas of 4versos each seven-syllable verses dnd combined with hendecasyllables/ rhyme is assonance / rhythmic axis in the verses is even, and x both iambic / licenses metric: is the sinalefa / / there is a displacement of objects, refers q aq fall leaves are high in the arboles-hipalage/en the first stanza: nautico character images / 2nd est-related imag wind cn / 3rd est-fuego/en verse 11 there is an oxymoron (you give an adjective, in this case color (dark) which is contrary to reality: says ‘dark niebla’-serious “white or light fog’ / in the 4th est: nature wants q snatches away the reason and that is what makes you think q, and memory, because that’s what reminds you of the cause has q caused / cohesion: recurrence Phonics: r, s, l / recurrence parallelistic: 3 first all with est ending vosotras.esta take me with breaks in the last verse / recurrence morphology: verbs in the imperative and indicative repeated / personal deixis: take me, quedarm ,, temporal: now,, place: it is that while being in a place (the reality) xa go to a different / / is part of one of the clusters of estr becquer.las 3primeras still do not know why he wants nature come to their aid, and the 4th comes close, giving the conclusion-this indicates there are thematic progression q / rom this poem is the Late, as it has all the characteristics (natural images, themes …)