Journal Article

Mythological Resonances in Galdós's Early Episodios nacionales

Urey, Diane F.

1998

Overview

Classical mythology forms an integral part of the complex intertextual design of Galdós's writing from the outset of his career. The ten novels of the First Series of Episodios nacionales (1873-75) offer a striking illustration of the key role that authors like Homer and Ovid play in Galdós's work. The Series evokes myths and mythological figures that serve as paradigms for its characters, themes, and plots. Gabriel Araceli, narrator and protagonist of his \"autobiography,\" recalls his youthful odyssey from Trafalgar through the Napoleonic War. Like Odysseus, he encounters enchanting women who lure him from his course toward his Penelope, Inés de Santocraz. Like Narcissus, he pursues the illusion of himself in his idealized others. The spellbinding voices of these women mirror the self-reflexive narrative process. The captivating power that women and their language have over Gabriel reflects that which Galdós's novels have over their readers.

• Publisher: The American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese,Stanford University
• Subject: Articles on Nineteenth-Century Authors and Works / Artificial flies / Classical literature / Greek mythology / Heroism / Inks / Mythography / Narratives / Novels / Tapestry / Wisdom