Description
NATIONAL EPISODES II. THE TERROR OF 1824
Book Summary
This seventh novel in the second series of the National Episodes transports the reader to the Spain of 1824, a period of fierce absolutist repression following the Liberal Triennium. Benito Pérez Galdós narrates the story of the schoolmaster Sarmiento, a liberal driven mad by the loss of his son, and of Sola, a young orphan protected by the exiled Salvador Monsalud. Both become entangled in a conspiracy that is not their own, facing a death sentence. The work offers a moving portrait of human dignity in the face of injustice and serves as a defense of constitutional liberty.
What is it about?
The action takes place in the months following the triumph of absolutism, when the repressive machinery of Ferdinand VII is activated to eliminate anyone suspected of liberal sympathies. The protagonist, the schoolmaster Sarmiento, is a liberal who lost his son in the war and, plunged into madness, becomes a sort of disillusioned Quixote. He is cared for by Sola, an orphan and the daughter of a former political rival of Sarmiento. Without seeking it, both are dragged into a liberal conspiracy and sentenced to death. While Sola is saved at the last moment by her romantic rival, Genara, Sarmiento is hanged, achieving a lucid dignity before his tragic end. Galdós develops a splendid evolution of the character, from ridiculous to tragically grand.
Main Themes
- Absolutist repression and political terror in 1824 Spain.
- The failure of liberal ideas and the persecution of their defenders.
- Madness as a response to disillusionment and loss.
- The evolution of a character from the ridiculous to dignity in the face of death.
- The defense of constitutional liberty against monarchical authoritarianism.
- Love, sacrifice, and loyalty in a context of oppression.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is intended for readers interested in the 19th-century Spanish historical novel, especially those who wish to understand the political and social conflicts of the reign of Ferdinand VII. It is ideal for students and fans of Benito Pérez Galdós's work, as well as those looking for a narrative that combines personal drama with political criticism and reflection on the human condition.
What this book offers
- An immersion into a key period of Spanish history, narrated with rigor and psychological depth.
- An unforgettable portrait of a quixotic character who evolves from pathetic to tragically grand.
- A reflection on liberty, justice, and dignity in times of repression.
- The pleasure of reading a masterpiece of Spanish literature, written by one of its greatest exponents.
Technical Specifications
- Author: Pérez Galdós, Benito
- Publisher: LINKGUA
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: CLASSIC TEXTS
- Collection: NARRATIVE
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: December 2017
- Number of pages: 194
- Weight: 230 g
Editorial Review
This installment of the National Episodes stands out for its ability to combine historical rigor with a deeply human narrative. Galdós succeeds in making the reader identify with the struggle and suffering of his characters, while offering a scathing critique of absolutism. It is an essential work for those who wish to understand the complexity of the Spanish 19th century and enjoy masterful prose that transcends its historical context.