Galdós' great achievement was to immortalize the urban middle classes, and depict their role in the evolution of Spain's history. While many of his novels are deeply philosophical, they are also deeply realistic where his characters and their circumstances are concerned.
Classifying Galdós' Novels
Galdós' novels can be classified into three broad categories: the National Episodes, the early novels, and what he called the "contemporary Spanish novels."
The National Episodes (written between 1873 and 1912) consist of five series, with ten volumes in each (except for the fifth series, which only has six) presenting important events in Spanish history, from the War of Independence that opens the first series (1808) to the Restoration (1874) that closes the fifth. At the same time, these short novels have a strong narrative component. Galdós' protagonists are fictional characters from all walks of life; throughout the Episodes, they meet and interact with some of the key historical players in the events described. In spite of the strong didactic character of these novels, they are nevertheless full of action and intrigue, and make for a good introduction to the work of Galdós.
Apart from the Episodes, which were a lifetime endeavor, Galdós wrote non-historical fiction dealing with various themes that affected the Spanish middle classes. In his early novels, Galdós retains a fairly simplistic worldview, pitting liberal protagonists against an unchanging traditional society that ultimately destroys them. In Galdós' view, religion and old-fashioned social customs prevented Spanish society from progressing, and he felt that this would hurt the country's chances to acquire an influential position in the rest of the world. One of the best-known works of this first period is Doña Perfecta. A common criticism of these early novels is that the characters are too rigid and abstract, even though the dramatic impact of their stories is well developed.
Galdós' technique became more refined over time, and less centered on a single thesis. His "contemporary Spanish novels" follow some of the teachings of naturalism, putting great importance in detailed observation and an almost organic development for their characters. Even though these novels still espouse ideals of justice and respect, their protagonists are complex beings that grow and change, rather than mere vehicles for Galdós' ideas. Novels in this category include Fortunata y Jacinta and La desheredada.
Galdós' Style
No matter what period he was writing in, Galdós' novels have some elements in common. One is the accurate description he provides of geographical locations (mainly Madrid, where he spent most of his life) and the people who inhabit them. Galdós was a keen observer of human nature, and did not hesitate to show both the best and the worst that humanity has to offer.
Another common element is his preoccupation with Spain's past, present, and future. Even in his non-historical novels, Galdós inserts constant references to political and social events taking place within each novel's time frame. Through this juxtaposition, Galdós emphasizes the important role that the common citizen plays in the evolution of a nation.
Reference
García López, José. Historia de la literatura española. Barcelona: Vicens-Vives, 1994. ISBN: 84-316-0597-9.
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