Regenta, Realism, and Larra: 19th-Century Spanish Literature
La Regenta
La Regenta, by Leopoldo Alas “Clarín,” is a quintessential example of 19th-century Spanish Realism and Naturalism. The novel is divided into two main parts:
- Chapters 1-15 (3 days): This section slowly introduces the characters and setting, emphasizing detailed descriptions and the inner thoughts of the characters.
- Chapters 16-30 (3 years): This part focuses on action and events, with fewer temporal leaps.
A key relationship is that of Ana Ozores (the “Regenta”) and her frustrating experiences as an adult woman. Vetusta, the fictional city, is identified with Oviedo. Clarín uses the protagonist and the social setting of the provincial town to showcase the pettiness of the Restoration period. He satirizes the ruling class (clergy, nobles, and bourgeoisie), exposing their frivolity, hypocrisy, pride, mediocrity, and moral misery.
The environment significantly influences the characters, both the external world (city, social relations) and the internal world (family, childhood, education). These factors definitively condition the characters, even connecting nature to the individual’s animation. Two of the main traits that shape the characters are ennui and repressed lust. In this provincial society, boredom is pervasive, and lust becomes the only escape from frustration for many.
Clarín emphasizes the psychological characteristics of the characters, analyzing them in depth, even the secondary ones. The novel undoubtedly has Naturalistic elements. It also stands out for its magnificent prose, humor, and irony. Other notable traits include thorough and vivid descriptions (of characters, environments, buildings, the city) and the richness of the dialogues.
18th Century Literary Contributions
The 18th century showed great interest in new ideas, based on criteria of service to humanity and using reason and good taste as central tenets, repressing passionate sentiments. The goal was not literal moderation but the study and diffusion of new ideas through education. The aesthetic ideal was rigorous, following French literary standards, avoiding excessive ornamentation and favoring spontaneous expression. Writers admired Renaissance manifestations. In the 18th century, essays and epistles predominated.
Realism
Realism was a 19th-century literary movement that emerged as a reaction to the excesses of Romantic subjectivism. It aimed for a strictly observed reality, captured in detail, emphasizing ambient descriptions and colloquial language. The most important genre was the novel. This era was coupled with the circumstances of the time: the taste for positivism, scientific advances, and the rise of the bourgeoisie. Legend and everyday sentiment were abandoned.
Characteristics:
- Interest in reality
- Tendency towards objectification and verisimilitude
- The pretense of objectivity did not prevent the author’s voice, although it was considered relative.
Mariano José de Larra
Mariano José de Larra was a key figure in 19th-century Spanish literature, known for his artículos (articles).
Artículos de Costumbres
These articles synthesized the Spanish way of life, showing Larra’s concern for Spain. This led to a tone that was often bitter and critical. Notable examples include “Vuelva usted mañana” and “El día de difuntos de 1836“.
Political Articles
These articles showcased his progressive and liberal ideology. A notable example is “Nadie pase sin hablar al portero“.
Literary Articles
There are 60 articles primarily related to theater. Here, Larra oscillates between Neoclassical ideas and the assimilation of Romantic elements.