POLITICAL AND GENDER DIALECTICS IN THREE NINETEENTH-CENTURY SPANISH NOVELS OF THE BOURBON RESTORATION (1874-1931)

Abstract

This investigation aims to show that three of the most iconic Spanish novels of the nineteenth century are connected to each other as a dialogue between their authors about politics and gender in Spain. These novels are Doña Perfecta by Benito Pérez Galdós, Los pazos de Ulloa by Emilia Pardo Bazán, and La Regenta by Clarín. Galdós’ novel presents a liberal perspective that is highly misogynistic. Pardo Bazán’s novel presents a conservative perspective that is also feminist because it decries the lack of autonomy that women have in nineteenth-century Spain. Clarín’s novel shares this feminism, but does so from the leftist perspective of a disillusioned radical.