Luis Martín-Santos’ novel Time of Silence and Five Hours with Mario by Miguel Delibes might be perceived as significant masterpieces in the genre of realism. Both works were substantially affected by the historical events in which Spain was involved. This paper aims to investigate the essence and peculiarities of these novels and determine their core value.
The most prominent element that Time of Silence utilized was the incorporation of three narrative approaches. These are the internal monologue, the second person, and the loose indirect style. The narration is at a great speed and through events related to Pedro – a protagonist. These events involve the young doctor in an unlawful abortion, the run from the policemen, arrest, dismissal of charges, and murder. The story’s lyricism and the dexterity of symbols allow assuming that the author did not adhere to the canon of a realistic novel, which is visible when bright images of surroundings occur (Martin-Santos 43). It might be apparent that Pedro is an embodiment of Spain and its virility. Harsh conditions prevented him from acting a role that was his call.
The novel Five Hours with Mario deals with the relationship between public life and human aspirations and needs. In terms of composition, the story is an inner monologue of a woman who has lost her husband and remembers him during the night. Carmen is a middle-class woman, religious and conservative, with a bourgeois view of family and decency (By The Firelight). Her husband – Catholic writer and democrat – defends the peasants, the rights of young people, and opposes the arbitrariness of the police. In fact, Carmen’s entire monologue is a testament to the chasm between the two people. However, finally, the narration opposes the argument that the good ones are on the right, and the bad ones are on the left. It is essential to look deeper – all people are good and bad at the same time.
To conclude, Time of Silence and Five Hours with Mario were explored. It was found that the primary innovative feature of the former is the combination of three narration modes, as well as non-adherence to the realistic novel’s canon. In turn, Five Hours with Mario reflect the split within the society caused by Francoism through the monologue of the widow. This allows the reader to depict and realize what Spain had to overcome.
Works Cited
By The Firelight.” Cinco horas con Mario (Five Hours with Mario) by Miguel Delibes – A Review.” 2018, Web.
Martin-Santos, Luis. Time of Silence. 1962, UNIBA, Web.