Characteristics of Realism According to Balzac (France, 1842)
Balzac compares humanity and animality, emphasizing the existence of social species, much like zoological ones. His goal was to represent these social species comprehensively in his work. Beyond portraying male and female subjects, describing their environment was equally essential. Historical analysis, not glorifying heroic deeds or figures, turned to the study of customs, vices, and virtues, examining the traits of ordinary characters and social events.
Principles Guiding Realist Work:
- Humans are born with instincts and aptitudes; society refines them, but self-interest can lead to moral corruption.
- Christianity establishes social order by repressing depraved human tendencies.
- Thought and emotion are social elements but also sources of destruction.
Balzac aimed to create a work encompassing history, societal critique, and the analysis of its flaws, aptly titled “The Human Comedy.” This ambitious project sought to capture the essence of human existence within society.
“Observations on Contemporary Novels” by Galdós (Spain, 1870)
Galdós critiques the contemporary Spanish novel for adopting foreign trends, ignoring the realities of Spanish society. Researchers argue that the lack of valuable novels stems from a deficit in observation skills among Spanish writers. Their imagination excels in poetry and theater but falls short in producing modern novels.
The preference for lyrical works in Spain relegates realism to the margins, contrasting with its rise elsewhere in Europe. Political turmoil and a lack of peace hinder the emergence of impactful novels, as writers often resort to journalism for financial survival. The literary market favors easily digestible, formulaic novels for commercial success.
Key Trends in Spanish Literature:
- Salon novels cater to elites, imitating French styles and losing distinctive Spanish characteristics.
- Popular novels reflect rural virtues but avoid urban complexity, limiting realism’s growth.
- The middle class, with its blend of public ambition and private struggles, offers rich material for future literary exploration.
Galdós highlights the potential of middle-class stories to address universal concerns, offering originality, vibrancy, and relatable themes. Although a comprehensive realist novel remains unrealized, smaller works hint at its imminent emergence.
Comparison Between Balzac and Galdós
Balzac, writing nearly three decades before Galdós, drew direct parallels between natural sciences and human society, focusing on male, female, and environmental dynamics. Galdós, immersed in Spanish culture, expanded this vision by analyzing social virtues and flaws across public and private spheres.
Both emphasized the importance of depicting the environment as a source and condition for human actions. While Balzac advocated for diverse representations of social species, Galdós concentrated on the middle class, capturing the effects of political and commercial shifts. This approach aligned with Balzac’s call for examining customs and social phenomena in literature.
Galdós also critiqued the romanticized portrayal of rural characters, advocating for a more nuanced depiction of urban life and societal complexities. This reflected a shared belief with Balzac in the significance of realism as a tool for understanding and representing human experience.
Further Reading
