Realist and Naturalist Novels in Catalan Literature
The Realist Novel and Naturalist Novel
Gustave Flaubert, French author of Madame Bovary, demonstrates the possibilities of the realist novel. He explores women’s role in the bourgeoisie and employs narrative objectivity, trying to keep the narrator as impartial as possible. This represents an extreme case of an absolute language, demonstrating the maturity that a literary language should have to achieve stylistic effects. Madame Bovary is a critique of the established and dominant bourgeoisie.
However, the naturalist novel, as exemplified by Émile Zola, follows the scientific method and theories of positivism. Germinal, one of Zola’s novels set in the mines, offers a stunning portrait of the working conditions of miners.
Catalan Authors
Emili Vilanova
Emili Vilanova’s work focuses on customs, a valuable literary category. He presents defined settings, often in the form of theatrical monologues or dialogues. Vilanova creates a unique world with a substantial gallery of characters rooted in the Barcelona district of Barceloneta, depicting manufacturing activities and the working class. He reproduces the world with an elegiac, nostalgic, and poetic vision of environments on the verge of disappearing. His literature is warm, friendly, and full of good humor, but occasionally reflects social criticism.
Narcis Oller
Narcis Oller fought against romantic trends that deviated from narrative objectivity and sentimentality. He worked as a lawyer and prosecutor, enjoying a comfortable social and economic situation. His first published work, Butterfly, achieved significant recognition. Critics like Joan Sardà (who defended the novel as a genre based on observation) encouraged him to follow contemporary narrative trends.
An Ambitious Narrative Project: The Portrait of His Time
Narcis Oller officially entered Catalan literature through the awards he received at the Jocs Florals. His first work was La Papallona, and thanks to this novel, he became acquainted with authors like Pereda, Bazán, and Galdós.
Works: L’Escanyapobres, Vilaniu i l’or, La febre d’or, La bogeria, Pilar Prim.
Short Stories
Oller published several collections of short stories, demonstrating his interest in this literary genre. His goal was to portray the society of his time.
Angel Guimerà
Theater of Poetry: Romantic Tragedy
Angel Guimerà was born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife to a Catalan father who had established a business there. At the age of nine, he returned to Catalonia, where he did not know the language. Guimerà’s private struggles with adapting to the region are reflected in his poetic works and plays. He often portrays marginalized characters who experience the challenges of cultural hybridity.
He achieved significant success with his poetry, which, while not innovative, formed part of an evolved romanticism. It is highly argumentative and narrative, expressing feelings that lead to radical Catalan nationalist, religious, or critical stances. His poetry exhibits theatricality, frequently incorporating monologues and dialogues, with special attention to psychological conflict and the passions of his protagonists.
Gal·la Placídia, his first tragedy, was heavily influenced by Shakespeare and Victor Hugo. He wrote a series of tragedies with historical subjects, such as Judit and Mar i cel, which is considered his most well-constructed work.
Realist Drama
Maria Rosa, Terra baixa, and La filla del mar are three fundamental realist dramas, written in prose and set in contemporary environments, with the theme of possessive love. Guimerà achieves a style that blends romantic, realistic, and poetic elements. Moreover, he aims to connect with popular audiences. In addition to exploring possessive love, he delves into the conflict between good and evil, suggesting that the problem lies more in social change as people enter the industrial era. The festive atmosphere and wheat harvest provide a realistic backdrop.