Mariano José de Larra, Leopoldo Alas Clarín, and Benito Pérez Galdós
Mariano José de Larra
Mariano José de Larra, born in Madrid, was the son of a physician who supported Napoleon’s French regime. In 1813, when the French left Spain, his family had to emigrate to France. When he returned to Spain, he observed the great differences between the modern French society and the backward Spanish society. This sparked his strong commitment to the Europeanization of Spain.
In 1833, under the liberal regime, he could express himself more freely, using the pseudonym Figaro. His political ideology had evolved towards a progressive liberalism. Despite his success, Larra became increasingly disappointed with politics and its failures, compounded by romantic disappointments. Deeply depressed, Larra committed suicide by shooting himself with a pistol.
Larra’s Newspaper Articles
Larra’s journalistic articles are classified into three groups:
- Costumbrismo Articles: These articles criticize the customs of Spanish society. Larra’s style is distinct from other writers of the genre. He does not focus on nostalgia for the past but on the defense of Europeanization and the modernization of the country, using French society as a model, which he had known during his childhood. Larra not only describes behaviors but also aims to reform them.
- Political Articles: These articles harshly attack Carlist supporters of absolutism, but also moderate governments.
- Literary Articles: These are literary comments on various works, especially theatrical ones. Although a Romantic author, as a critic, he is eclectic in the controversy between Neoclassicists and Romantics.
Larra tries to convince the public using a direct, uncomplicated style, with carefully crafted language. He almost always uses anecdotes inspired by everyday life, which become examples of his thesis. Many of his articles are small essays. As a good Romantic, he does not merely describe but is involved in his articles, turning them into a personal confession.
Leopoldo Alas “Clarín”
Leopoldo Alas “Clarín” was born in Zamora to an Asturian family. He lived in Oviedo, where he studied Law at the University of Zaragoza. He obtained a professorship, stabilizing his economic situation. The following year, he became a professor of Law at the University of Oviedo, where he remained until his death.
Clarín’s Literature
Clarín’s work consists of numerous articles of literary criticism, two novels, several collections of short stories, and a play. His critical works made him known and respected in Spain. Clarín not only criticized but also shared his ideas about the novel and the literary currents of the time. His fictional production is small: *La Regenta* and *Su único hijo*. His stories are especially important, among which “Adiós, Cordera!” stands out, considered one of the best in Spanish literature.
*La Regenta*: Clarín’s Masterpiece
*La Regenta* is regarded as one of the most important novels in Spanish literature. It portrays a provincial town, Vetusta (a fictionalized Oviedo), and represents Spanish society during the Restoration. Clarín criticizes all sections of the city. These social forces collide with the sensitive and dreamy temperament of the protagonist, Ana Ozores. She takes refuge in religion, but a priest, Fermín, disappoints her when he attempts to take advantage of her. She then falls for Álvaro Mesía, a mediocre Don Juan, with whom she has an affair.
The book is divided into two parts. Each part has fifteen chapters, but the timeline between them is irregular: the first part covers three days of events, and the second covers three years. *La Regenta* is a novel of little action, where descriptions of the psychology of the characters and environments are important. Clarín combines an objective viewpoint with that of an omniscient author, involved in the work. The author’s irony stands out above all in the novel.