Doña Perfecta

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

15725

Title

Doña Perfecta

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Benito Pérez Galdós's *Doña Perfecta* explores the clash between progressive ideals and entrenched tradition in a small Spanish village. Through the tragic romance of Pepe and Rosarito, the novel critiques the destructive power of fanaticism and social rigidity, offering a poignant portrait of late 19th-century Spain.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in the fictional village of Santa Marina, Benito Pérez Galdós's *Doña Perfecta* presents a stark conflict between progressive modernity and entrenched tradition. The narrative centers on the young, liberal engineer Pepe y Labra, who arrives to modernize the village's infrastructure, and his romantic entanglement with Rosarito, the daughter of the village's formidable matriarch, Doña Perfecta Polentinos. Doña Perfecta represents a rigid, superstitious, and deeply religious conservative force that views any deviation from established norms as a threat to the social order. The story follows the escalating tension as Pepe attempts to implement necessary reforms, inadvertently provoking the very forces of intolerance he seeks to reform. His relationship with Rosarito, born of genuine affection, becomes the focal point of a broader ideological war. The village populace, swayed by Doña Perfecta's influence and their own superstitions, turns against Pepe, labeling him a dangerous radical. The pressure of public opinion and religious dogma intensifies, threatening to destroy the lovers' happiness before it can even begin. Galdós masterfully weaves social commentary into a gripping tale of passion and prejudice. The novel illustrates the devastating consequences of ideological inflexibility and the human cost of intolerance. As the narrative progresses, the clash between the new and the old becomes increasingly violent, culminating in a tragic confrontation that underscores the difficulty of progress in a society resistant to change. Through this tragic arc, the author highlights how deep-seated prejudices can override individual happiness and rational thought, ultimately leading to destruction for all involved.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Local file path

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Categories

• Religion
• History
• Fiction
• Politics