Resumen de Fortunata y Jacinta

Summary

Set in Madrid during the late 19th century, *Fortunata y Jacinta* by Benito Pérez Galdós explores the intertwined lives of three main characters. Fortunata, a passionate and naïve working-class woman, is caught in a tragic love triangle with Juanito Santa Cruz, a morally corrupt and flirtatious member of the bourgeoisie, and Jacinta, his loveless but dutiful wife. The novel touches on themes of class, fertility, and the changing social and political landscape of Spain, offering a deep reflection on the contradictions of love, society, and personal aspirations in a period of revolution and transformation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The novel *Fortunata y Jacinta* by Benito Pérez Galdós was written between 1886 and 1887 and consists of four parts.
• 😀 The story is set in Madrid during the late 19th century, a period marked by political turmoil in Spain (1869-1876).
• 😀 The plot centers on the complex relationships between Juanito Santa Cruz, a bourgeois man, and two women: Fortunata, a working-class girl, and Jacinta, his bourgeois wife.
• 😀 Juanito Santa Cruz initially seduces Fortunata, but marries Jacinta, continuing his affair with Fortunata even after their marriage.
• 😀 The novel explores the contrast between Fortunata’s passionate love and Jacinta’s more calculated, dutiful role as a bourgeois wife.
• 😀 Fortunata and Maximiliano Rubin, Jacinta's cousin, have a brief romantic involvement, but Fortunata remains emotionally tied to Juanito.
• 😀 Maximiliano Rubin represents a romantic idealist, in stark contrast to Juanito’s moral degradation and irresponsibility.
• 😀 In the final part of the novel, Fortunata dies after giving birth to another child of Juanito’s, leaving her son to Jacinta in her will.
• 😀 The novel symbolizes the triumph of the proletariat (represented by Fortunata) over the bourgeoisie (represented by Jacinta), reflecting the social changes of the 20th century.
• 😀 The setting plays a significant role, with real locations like Plaza Mayor and Cava Baja symbolizing the characters’ social environments.
• 😀 The story takes place during key events in Spanish history, including the Revolution of 1868, the assassination of General Prim, and the rise of the Restoration under Alfonso XII.

Q & A

What is the central theme of *Fortunata y Jacinta*?

The central theme of *Fortunata y Jacinta* is the complex relationships between social classes and the emotional struggles of its characters, particularly the tension between love, societal expectations, and class divisions.

How does the character of Juanito Santa Cruz reflect the moral decline of the bourgeoisie?

Juanito Santa Cruz embodies the moral decay of the bourgeoisie through his actions, as he is selfish, morally corrupt, and exploits women like Fortunata, all while indulging in his wealth and status without regard for the consequences.

What role does the historical context of the Spanish Revolution play in the story?

The historical context of the Spanish Revolution and the political upheaval of the late 19th century serve as a backdrop to the novel, symbolizing the societal changes that affect the characters and their relationships, particularly in terms of class struggles.

How does Fortunata's character differ from Jacinta's?

Fortunata is spontaneous, passionate, and driven by her emotions, while Jacinta is a more reserved, suffering character who adheres to societal expectations of the bourgeois wife, sacrificing her own happiness to maintain appearances.

Why does Fortunata's love for Juanito ultimately lead to her tragedy?

Fortunata’s unconditional love for Juanito leads to her tragedy because he continually manipulates and abandons her, and despite her devotion, her life is filled with suffering, ultimately culminating in her early death after childbirth.

What does the relationship between Fortunata and Maximiliano Rubin represent?

The relationship between Fortunata and Maximiliano Rubin represents the idealistic and romantic view of love, with Maximiliano being a contrast to Juanito. Despite his affection for Fortunata, their relationship is ultimately unfulfilling for her, as she is unable to reciprocate his feelings.

What does the novel suggest about the relationship between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie?

The novel suggests that the proletariat, represented by Fortunata, triumphs over the bourgeoisie, represented by Jacinta, symbolizing the fertility and vitality of the working class compared to the sterile, morally bankrupt bourgeoisie.

How is the setting of Madrid used in the novel?

Madrid is portrayed as an essential character in the novel, with specific locations like Plaza Mayor and Cava Baja playing significant roles in shaping the narrative. The city's social and physical landscape mirrors the class divisions and struggles faced by the characters.

What does the character of Maximiliano Rubin represent in the context of Spanish literature?

Maximiliano Rubin represents the remnants of Romanticism in a time dominated by Realism. He is an idealistic, somewhat naïve figure who contrasts with the more cynical characters around him, embodying a form of unrequited love and emotional purity.

What impact does Fortunata's death have on the story's resolution?

Fortunata's death marks the tragic end of her personal journey and serves as a final symbol of the victory of the proletariat over the bourgeoisie. Her death also finalizes the complex love triangle and resolves the emotional and moral conflicts between the characters.