Doña Perfecta

Name: Doña Perfecta
Author: Benito Pérez Galdós

By Benito Pérez Galdós

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About This Book

A young engineer returns to a provincial town to take up an arranged match with his cousin, but his secular, progressive outlook clashes with his aunt's rigid authority and the local clergy. The narrative follows mounting misunderstandings, intrigues, and moral pressure that transform private affection into a public struggle, revealing hypocrisy, social intolerance, and the oppressive weight of tradition. Episodes move between domestic intimacy and communal denunciation, combining realist detail with ironic critique. Characters are depicted through their motives of pride, duty, and fear, and the plot examines how ideological conflict and small-town conservatism can curtail personal freedom and corrode familial bonds.

About the Author

Benito Pérez Galdós

Benito Pérez Galdós was a prominent Spanish novelist and playwright, known for his keen social commentary and rich character development. Born in 1843 in Las Palmas, he became one of the most significant figures in 19th-century Spanish literature. Galdós's works often explore themes of social justice and the complexities of Spanish society during his time. His notable novel, "Doña Perfecta," delves into the conflicts between tradition and modernity, showcasing his ability to blend realism with deep psychological insight. Throughout his prolific career, he contributed over seventy works, including novels, plays, and essays, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in the Spanish literary canon.