Torment: A Deep Dive into 19th Century Madrid Society
Structure of the Work
The Approach (Chapters I and II)
The novel begins with a dialogue between two characters who reunite after a long time, setting the stage for the story.
The Development (Chapters III – XXVII)
This section unfolds the central love story between a man of high social class and a woman of lower social class.
The Conclusion (Chapters XXVIII onwards)
The final chapters resolve the conflicts between Agustin and Amparo Caballero, ultimately leading them to Burgos to live together unmarried.
Stylistic Features
Omniscient Narrator: The narrator possesses comprehensive knowledge of the characters’ past, present, and future, delving into their thoughts and engaging directly with the reader.
Thematic Aspects
A) Society in Turmoil
Torment is set during the Spanish Revolution of 1868, a period marked by realism and influenced by the socio-political climate. The emergence of workers’ movements and ideological confrontations shaped the literary landscape, with authors like Benito Perez Galdos representing the progressive liberal mindset.
Various Social Classes:
- The Elite: Represented by Agustin Caballero and his circle, this class comprises bankers, businessmen, and landowners who support the Liberal Union and hold significant societal power.
- The Bourgeoisie: Rosalia and her husband, Don Francisco de Bringas, embody this class, aspiring to climb the social ladder and emulate the lifestyle of the upper classes. They enjoy a comfortable economic standing.
- The Working Class: Characters like Amaparo, Celandine, Philip, and Thompson represent the lowest rung of society, facing economic hardship and often subjected to exploitative labor conditions.
B) Other Aspects:
- Love: A central theme often portrayed within complex and troubled relationships, with adultery featuring prominently, as seen in the relationship between Amparo and Mr. Knight.
- Family: The novel explores various family dynamics, including the complex relationship between Amparo and the Bringas family, highlighting the societal norms of the time where poorer relatives often served wealthier families.
- Friendship: Strong bonds of friendship are depicted between Agustin Caballero and his friends, as well as between Manuel Pedro Polo and Nones, showcasing loyalty and support despite societal prejudices.
- Religion: The novel critiques the oppressive influence of the Church, portraying it as a force that restricts personal freedom and happiness, particularly evident in the character of Pedro Polo and his forbidden love affair with Amparo.
Detailed Descriptions and Character Analysis
The author meticulously depicts the environment and characters, providing vivid descriptions of their physical appearance, clothing, and surroundings. This attention to detail enhances the reader’s immersion in the story.
Example: “Amparo, raising her arms, remained committed heart and soul to the work of her hair, which was the best of her: a mass of sweet shade that gave value to her face as white and tiny. The lack of a tooth above the gum was the false note of her face, but even this gave her a certain grace pungent dissonance, like in a different order of sensation, the stimulation of pimeinta on the palate. With their eyes looking lively burlesque rogue, and his nose, slightly mashed, had the most beautiful and cheerful ugliness imaginable …”
Analysis of Key Characters:
- Amparo: A virtuous and resilient woman facing poverty, she embodies the struggles of the working class. Her resilience is tested throughout the novel, leading her to contemplate drastic measures.
- Agustin: A compassionate and unconventional man, he stands apart from societal norms and exhibits generosity and understanding towards others.
- Rosalia: A representative of the aspirational bourgeoisie, she strives to elevate her social standing and maintain appearances, often displaying arrogance towards those of lower classes.
- Pedro Polo: A priest who succumbs to temptation and engages in a forbidden love affair, he embodies the hypocrisy and flaws within the religious institution.
Other notable characters with intriguing behaviors include:
- Refugio: Amparo’s self-centered and independent sister.
- Felipe: A kind individual who intervenes to prevent Amparo’s suicide.
- Marcelina: A manipulative and gossipy woman who seeks personal gain and sows discord.