Realism in Literature: Characteristics, Authors, and Key Works
Realism in Literature
General Features of Realistic Literature
Observation and Accurate Description of Reality
Writers meticulously document field notes about characters and settings, often consulting reference materials to ensure accuracy.
Focus on the Factual
Authors write about what they know, setting their works in the present and in familiar locations.
Frequent Social and Political Criticism
The interpretation of reality varies based on the writer’s ideology. Conservatives may depict reality to highlight its degradation and advocate for a return to traditional values. Progressives may expose social ills, attributing them to a conservative mindset that hinders progress.
Simple and Sober Style
Realists reject romantic rhetoric, favoring clarity and accuracy over elaborate language.
Preference for the Novel
The realistic novel depicts life and customs drawn from reality, contrasting with the elusive and fantastic nature of romantic novels. Narrative prose is considered the ideal genre for reflecting reality in its totality.
Typical Features of Realistic Fiction
- Verisimilitude is key.
- Set in contemporary times.
- The action progresses linearly.
- An omniscient narrator tells the story from an outside perspective.
- Abundant descriptions of environments and character types are present.
- Characters reflect and represent specific social groups.
- Language is carefully crafted.
- In addition to traditional narrative styles, free indirect style and interior monologue are included.
Key Authors of Realism
Benito Pérez Galdós
Galdós’s literary production is divided into:
a) “Miss Perfect”, part of his early novels, critiques conservative ideas, bigotry, and prejudices in small towns.
b) His “contemporary novels” aim to reflect the society of his time, such as “Fortunata and Jacinta”, set in Madrid.
c) His final stage, known as the “spiritual novel,” includes “Mercy”. Galdós also authored “National Events.”
Leopoldo Alas (Clarín)
“La Regenta” tells the story of Ana Ozores, marked by her passionate temperament, societal rigidity, and relationships with three men: Victor Quintana, her husband; Fermín De Pas, her confessor; and Álvaro Mesía, a Don Juan.
Emilia Pardo Bazán
“Los Pazos de Ulloa” incorporates naturalistic elements, focusing on the influence of nature.
Blasco Ibáñez
Known for “The Cabin” and “Reeds and Mud”, Ibáñez is considered the closest Spanish novelist to naturalism, focusing on sordid atmospheres.
Juan Valera
Author of “Pepita Jiménez” and “Juanita”, Valera’s common theme is love, often related to the “theme of the old man and the young girl.”
José María Pereda
Author of “Sotileza” and “Peñas Arriba”, Pereda is a key representative of regionalist realism, defending traditional rural life against new developments and urban corruption. “Peñas Arriba” exalts nature and mountain people.