Understanding Literary Realism: A Deep Dive into Key Elements and Authors
Realism in Literature: A Detailed Exploration
Realism defends the representation of reality as truthfully and accurately as possible. Initially, the term was a pejorative applied to painting. This movement arrived in Spain nearly half a century after its emergence in countries like France, spurred by the success of authors such as Balzac, Flaubert, Dickens, Stendhal, and Tolstoy.
Key Features of Literary Realism
- Analysis and Observation: Realism focuses on reflecting reality in its works.
- Emphasis on the Novel: The novel became the preferred genre for realists, offering the best medium to reflect reality and contemporary life.
- Contemporary Contextualization: Realists used space-time frames relevant to the period of the work’s creation.
- Objectivity: An objective point of view prevailed over the subjectivity of earlier times.
- Social Criticism: Writers used their texts to critique the social conditions of the time.
Characteristics of the Realistic Novel
- Likelihood: The story, even if invented, must be credible, emphasizing the authenticity of facts, issues, and characters. Workplaces and homes are depicted realistically.
- Real People: Departing from romantic heroes, characters are drawn directly from everyday life. The figure of the woman gains importance compared to previous eras, with detailed character sketches (etopoeias) of main characters. The use of collective characters helps to understand the society they belong to. The protagonist is often from the bourgeoisie or a similar social class.
- Social Issues: Realistic novels typically include conflicts within society, such as human relations and political tensions. “Thesis novels” defend either conservative or liberal viewpoints.
- Timeframe: The in medias res technique is often used, starting the narrative in the middle of the story to give the impression that the event is part of a broader reality.
- Spatial Framework: Spaces are described based on observation and comprehensive documentation. The mood reflected in the novels influences the characters, reflecting social determinism, where the environment shapes the character.
- Style: Dialogue is swift and characterizes the characters. Narrators combine first-person and third-person perspectives. The use of free indirect style and interior monologue becomes more frequent. Interior monologues convey the flow of consciousness, and regional and linguistic jargon are used.
- Linear Structure: The events unfold in a linear fashion.
Notable Works and Authors
Peñas arriba by José María de Pereda
This novel serves as a pretext to describe the landscape and environment of the mountains of Santander. The plot involves Don Celso, an old gentleman, who invites his nephew, Marcellus, who dislikes the atmosphere of Madrid and feels bored in the countryside. However, Marcellus gradually appreciates the grandeur of the Cantabrian landscape, the simplicity of manners, and the moral health of the people, leading him to decide to stay there after his uncle’s death.
Juan Valera (Andalusian Settings)
Valera’s main objective is the pursuit of beauty. His novels reflect the society of his time, with the recurring theme of the triumph of love and happiness. Valera’s realism is evident in the psychological analysis of his characters, particularly women, and most of his works take place in a rural Andalusia devoid of poverty and misery.
Pepita Jiménez
The central theme is the conflict between the protagonist’s religious vocation and human love. The focus is on the psychological process of Don Luis, influenced by Pepita, leading him to renounce his priestly aspirations.
Plot Summary
Don Luis de Vargas, a young seminarian, recounts his experiences in the village during the holidays through letters to his aunt. There, he meets a beautiful young widow, Pepita Jiménez, who is courted by Luis’s father. Gradually, Luis develops feelings for Pepita, which evolve into true love. Ultimately, he abandons the idea of becoming a priest and marries Pepita.