Dona Perfecta Essay Example

most writers. A typical feature presumed essential to make any Enriquieta or Julia interesting. However, what set Rosario apart was her face exuded such a degree of gentleness and humility, that the lack of other perfections went unnoticed.

While it would not be accurate to describe her as unattractive, it would also be hyperbole to call her stunningly beautiful in the very strict sense of the term. The true appeal of Dona Perfecta's daughter laid in a unique form of translucency, distinct from pearl, alabaster, marble or any other comparisons traditionally used to portray the human face. It was a form of translucency that revealed the innermost secrets of her soul with clarity; secrets not dark and inscrutable like the depths of an ocean, but instead resembling the clear and serene depths of a calm river.

However, the elements needed for a comprehensive persona were absent. The conduit and its edges were missing. Her spirit's immense riches were about to wash away the limited boundaries"(24). While this excerpt is lengthy, it highlights Galdos' impressive capability with language. It's quite common to encounter descriptions of beautiful women in literature, and yet Galdos manages to elevate what could be banal into something extraordinary. The author doesn't just describe the physical aspect of the characters, but offers a glimpse into their inner feelings and essence.

In the same way, the additional characters enjoy detailed, suggestive portrayals. These presentations enable the reader to form a bond with and understand these characters. As the story unfolds, initially, the community of Orbajosa greets Pepe Rey warmly. He is given a tour and acquainted with the diverse locals of the community. Dona Perfecta, known

for being "perfect," as her name implies, appreciates the social influence her nephew brings to her. However, this happiness that Dona Perfecta feels is fleeting because of the looming conflict.

Because of his education, Pepe Rey finds himself in conflict with one of Dona Perfecta's initial guests, Don Inocencio, the town canon. Both are highly intelligent individuals. However, Pepe Rey is logical and methodical, and as such, he finds the unquestioning faith of the Catholic locals in Orbajosa distasteful. When Don Inocencio asserts "the brain, a place for breeding maggots" (35), he is reflecting the sentiments of his congregation, himself, and the entire town. People in Orbajosa uphold the notion that religion should supersede science. For them, associating with science is a sacrilege. Contrarily, Pepe Rey does not concur with this perspective.

Pepe Rey asserts, "It's not our failing if science persistently debunks the baseless idols of yesteryear: its superstitions, its flawed arguments, its countless tales--some being appealing while some ludicrous--because in the Lord's vineyard both exceptional and subpar fruits can be found" (36). Pepe Rey endorses the basic principles of knowledge. He views those who solely rely on faith as uninformed as science has invalidated numerous religious notions. Clearly, there's a significant discord between Inocencio and Pepe Rey with no tangible common ground for reconciliation.

Their conflicting ideologies inevitably lead to strife. For a significant part of the early half of the book, a rift occurs between Pepe Rey and Inocencio. Soon after, not only Dona Perfecta but also other town residents become embroiled in the dispute. Pepe Rey staunchly opposes the normative beliefs of Orbajosa. Conversely, according to the townsfolk, Pepe Rey is an impertinent

newcomer with palpable disregard for their traditional values and the spirit of the town. During this contentious period, Pepe Rey develops affection for Rosario. Regrettably, Dona Perfecta, Rosario's mother, grows to intensely dislike him.

Consequently, she refuses to let the wedding happen. Dona Perfecta tells Pepe Rey, "Remain quiet, you blasphemer! Don't dare to utter God's name!... I, who sincerely believe in God, can invoke his name and I assure you that my girl will never become your spouse. My child will be rescued, Pepe Rey; she won't be subjected to an existence equivalent to hell, as being wedded to you would be like living in hell!" (139). In a poignant twist of fate, Dona Perfecta stands against the very matrimony she had so aggressively plotted. Given the conflict sparked by Pepe Rey, she prevents Rosario from marrying him.

She is convinced that sanctioning the union will condemn her daughter to a life of distress and agony. Similarly, she fears that by giving consent to the marriage, it could tarnish not just her daughter's image, but hers as well. Given that Pepe Rey is unable to marry the woman he adores, the reader tends to empathize with his situation. Well into the novel, Orbajosa as a whole deems Pepe Rey a malevolent figure due to his evident ignorance of and resistance to the town's convictions. This view of Pepe Rey shifts the novel's focus towards exploring themes of defiance and insurrection.

Throughout the majority of the remaining novel, Pepe Rey is absent due to a furious disagreement. Upset because he is still denied the chance to marry Rosario, he confronts Dona Perfecta saying, "We have both descended to

uncivilized behavior, ruthlessly fighting and harming one another. This unfortunate circumstance seems to be God's will; the guilt of my actions will weigh on your conscience, as yours will on mine. I'll conclude now, madam. I don't want to burden you with unnecessary conversation.... Farewell, madam. I'm leaving this household now. I believe we'll cross paths again" (140-141).

Galdos uses the anger in the character of Pepe Rey as a tool for the reader to understand and sympathize with him. Heartbroken as he is unable to be with his beloved, Pepe Rey seeks to instill guilt in Donna Perfecta for preventing their union. As he leaves, the reader is left to interact with characters who are unable to empathize with him. Dona Perfecta's seemingly ridiculous demeanor, stemming from her outdated beliefs, makes it tough to be concerned about her fate. This feeling persists as she and the rest of the townsfolk commence their rebellion against the government.

The conclusion of the novel brings about a sense of sorrow in the readers, resulting from the chaos, the unrelated incidents in the latter half of the book, and the characters' melancholia, all masterfully crafted by Galdo's. In the final scene, Rosario is found conversing with Donna Perfecta with tears streaming down her face. She confesses her profound love for Pepe Rey. She voices out to Donna Perfecta saying, “Mamma, mamma, my heart despises all that is not him! … Hear my confession, I desire to express it to everyone, and first and foremost to you... We are planning to get married” (213). Here, Rosario is confessing her wish to Donna Perfecta about her intention to marry Pepe Rey.

She further shares that they have a prearranged encounter in the garden later that night.

Donna Perfecta's reaction to her newfound understanding is filled with wrath. She hastily makes her way to the garden where Pepe Rey is located and instructs a man to take Pepe Rey's life. Donna Perfecta commands the man by saying "Cristobal, Cristobal--kill him"(216). Galdos' outstanding skill to depict his characters with depth provokes genuine sadness among readers due to the extremely grim conclusion. Regardless of one's affiliation as a Catholic, technologist, sympathizer, or detractor, no one comes away from the novel's ending feeling happy or content. The death of Pepe Rey leaves the reader in state of melancholy, unable to escape the sadness.

Donna Perfecta had her desire of keeping Rosario from marrying him fulfilled. The last remarks from Galdo are remarkably appropriate for the novel's conclusion. He profoundly pens, "This is all we have to say for the present concerning individuals who appear, but are not virtuous" (223). Galdo utilized this statement to expose the duplicity of humans. From the townsfolk's perspective, Donna Perfecta was a vision of piety, while they regarded Pepe Rey as wicked. Yet, the situation was truly inverse as it was Pepe Rey's blood who was shed by Donna Perfecta's deed and not the other way around.

In Benito Perez Galdos’ book, Dona Perfecta, his exceptional writing abilities are used to make the protagonists feel real to the audience. Galdos' writing is passionately profound. Among his multitude of talents, what grabs the reader's attention right away is his talent for vivid descriptions. The beauty and truth of his portrayal of individuals and settings, along with his intricate

examination of thoughts and feelings, continually amazed the reader while reading. The readers become so emotionally invested in the characters that they almost forget they aren't real.

The level of engagement that the story managed to incite in the readers, led to them feeling a deep sense of sorrow for the lead character, Pepe Rey, who couldn't unite with his beloved. Simultaneously, there was a strong detest for Donna Perfecta since she was responsible for the death of the much-admired hero of this narrative. The skill set of Galdo in enabling such a profound connection between the readers and the characters of his fictional work deserves commendation.Overall, Galdo's finesse in portraying his characters like Don Jose "Pepe" Rey, Rosario and Dona Perfecta, in an exceptionally detailed manner thereby allowing readers to resonate with them, has contributed to crafting a novel that many regard as superior.