El idilio de un enfermo

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25777

Title

El idilio de un enfermo

Language

es

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this poignant novella, Armando Palacio Valdés explores the tragic consequences of youthful passion and social hypocrisy. The story follows Andrés, a young man who elopes with the peasant girl Rosa, only to face ruin as he succumbs to a fatal illness. Through a melancholic lens, the narrative critiques the Spanish literary scene and the indifference of society toward genuine art and human suffering.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in the rural village of Riofrío, Armando Palacio Valdés' *El idilio de un enfermo* chronicles the tragic trajectory of Andrés Heredia, a young gentleman whose life is irrevocably altered by a forbidden romance. The narrative opens with Andrés courting Rosa, a spirited peasant girl who tends cattle. Their relationship is defined by playful banter and deep mutual affection, yet it faces fierce opposition from Rosa's father, a harsh miller who views the union as an economic threat. The idyllic countryside scenes, filled with rustic games and innocent flirtation, are abruptly shattered when the couple is caught by guards during a romantic excursion. Andrés is briefly imprisoned for 'abduction,' an incident that forces him to flee to Madrid. Upon arriving in the capital, Andrés attempts to drown his sorrows in the city's pleasures, indulging in theater, parties, and social gatherings. However, the vibrant urban life fails to distract him; instead, he succumbs to a profound lethargy and physical decline. Haunted by memories of Rosa and the lost simplicity of the countryside, his health deteriorates rapidly. He suffers from stomach ailments, persistent coughing, and eventually vomits blood, marking the onset of a fatal illness. Over several months, the narrative details his agonizing decline, contrasting his fading vitality with the relentless pace of Madrid society. Throughout his suffering, Andrés reflects on the fickleness of public opinion, the cruelty of fate, and the nature of art itself. He observes how society values utility over spirit, a theme echoed in the author's dedication which critiques the Spanish obsession with profit and the neglect of the arts. The story concludes with Andrés's death in January, passing peacefully in the arms of loyal friends. His legacy is one of unfulfilled love and a poignant critique of a world that sacrifices the soul for material gain. The novel serves as a meditation on the fragility of life and the enduring power of memory against the indifference of a utilitarian age.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/25777.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg25777.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-07-04 13:41 UTC

Categories

• Classics
• Fiction