19th Century Spanish Realism: A Literary Movement
19th Century Spanish Realism
Introduction
Realism emerged in the latter half of the 19th century as a response to societal shifts: the bourgeoisie’s rise, industrialization, urban growth, and the proletariat’s emergence. It countered Romanticism’s idealism, primarily through the novel, which catered to a bourgeois audience. While some authors merely entertained, others critiqued bourgeois society from within, aiming to portray and reform it.
Emilia Pardo Bazán (1852-1921)
A pioneering Spanish novelist who introduced Naturalism to Spain. Born in La Coruña to aristocratic parents, she surpassed the limited education typically afforded to women, becoming a scholar in various humanities disciplines. Her marriage to José Quiroga led her to Madrid, from where they frequently traveled throughout Europe. Pardo Bazán’s exposure to French and Russian novelists significantly influenced her work. Beyond writing, she was a councilor of public instruction and a feminist activist.
Key Works by Emilia Pardo Bazán:
- The Tribune (1883): A proletarian novel centered on a female cigar factory worker.
- Los Pazos de Ulloa (1886): A depiction of rural Galician life.
- Mother Nature (1887): Explores an incestuous relationship.
- The Chimera (1905) and The Black Mermaid (1905): Show the influence of the Russian novel.
- The Throbbing Question (1882-1883): A collection of articles outlining her stance on Naturalism.
The 19th Century: A Time of Transformation
The 19th century was a period of profound change. The French Revolution and its reformist ideals triggered a crisis, leading to the end of the Old Regime. Liberalism, advocating popular sovereignty and individual freedoms, gained prominence. Utopian socialism, condemning capitalist abuses, emerged, followed by Marx and Engels’ scientific socialism in 1848. Nationalist movements arose, leading to independence for some European nations. The rise of the bourgeoisie and industrialization shaped the “Era of Machinery,” marked by advancements in technology, medicine, and the rise of capitalism. Population growth and urbanization led to social tensions between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. The century also witnessed a rational crisis and new ways of thinking, with advancements in science and the emergence of social sciences like psychology and sociology, which influenced literature.
Literary Movements of the 19th Century
Three major literary movements characterized the 19th century in Spain and Europe: Romanticism, Realism, and Naturalism. The debate surrounding Realism’s tendency to depict reality objectively versus the idealization of reality led to discussions about Naturalism. While Naturalism never fully took hold in Spain, it influenced some authors.
Characteristics of Realism
Realism primarily focused on bourgeois characters, reflecting their lives and society. It aimed for accuracy and objectivity through credible descriptions based on meticulous observation. Realistic authors often employed an omniscient point of view and incorporated their own commentary. A natural style and language were favored.
Key Features of Realism:
- Rigorous observation of reality.
- Objectivity, though authors might offer personal opinions.
- Focus on social flaws and virtues.
- Gradual shift away from the ornate language of Romanticism.
- Reflection of contemporary society, including various social strata.
General Features of the Realist Novel:
- Accurate and objective representation of reality.
- Emphasis on observation and direct experience.
- Attention to everyday life and concrete details.
- Detailed descriptions of settings and objects.
- Interweaving of private and public lives.
- Omniscient narrator offering insights into characters’ thoughts and motivations.
- Exploration of ideological positions and societal values.
- Naturalistic style reflecting characters’ speech.
Naturalism: General Characteristics
Initially, “natural” was synonymous with “realistic.” However, it later defined a literary movement spearheaded by Émile Zola in France. Naturalism represented a clash between individual liberty and social reality, marking a shift from individualistic values. It was considered an extreme form of Realism, applying the scientific method to human reality. However, it presented a partial view, focusing on the negative aspects of society. Physiological conditions, environment, and circumstances were seen as determinants of personality and psychology, leading to a deterministic view of human behavior.
In Spain, Naturalism received mixed responses. Conservatives viewed it negatively, while liberals saw it as a means of experimentation and truth-seeking. This intellectual divide separated the two groups.
Idealizing Tendency
Authors like Pedro Antonio de Alarcón and José María de Pereda, with traditional and conservative viewpoints, avoided depicting harsh realities. Their novels often had a moralizing intent, leading them to distort aspects of modernity and urban life that they disapproved of.
Aestheticism
Juan Valera, a diplomat with a refined aesthetic, rejected both Romantic excesses and the moralizing tendencies of some Realist novels. He prioritized beauty, excluding the ugly and unpleasant. He didn’t copy reality but drew upon observation, memories, and experience.
Pure Realism
: Leopoldo Alas Clarín and Benito Perez Galdos are the two most important authors of realism from progressive positions. They want to show the reality as objectively as possible, without rejecting any aspect of it.