"Abel Sánchez" by Miguel de Unamuno y Jugo examines the consuming power of envy and hatred, as seen through the eyes of Joaquin Monegro. The novel's title emphasizes Abel's significance, yet Joaquin's envious obsession with Abel shapes the narrative's core. Despite the titular focus, it is Joaquin’s psychological struggle that underscores the relentless tragedy.

Envy as a Central Theme

Unamuno crafts the story primarily in the third person, interspersed with excerpts from Joaquin’s memoirs, termed his "Confession." These passages provide a personal insight into Joaquin's lifelong affliction, described as a psychological disease. From childhood, Joaquin envied Abel, who was always the more affable and popular one. The novel's sparse and direct style, coupled with its clear narrative, conveys the moral simplicity of a parable, specifically echoing the biblical tale of Cain and Abel. This inevitable association drives the story toward an unavoidable tragic ending.

The Diverging Paths of Joaquin and Abel

As the boys grow, their differences become evident: Abel gains recognition as an artist, while Joaquin studies medicine, aiming for comparable renown. The chasm between them widens when Abel weds Joaquin’s cousin, Helena, the woman Joaquin yearned for. This event marks the onset of Joaquin’s personal torment, rendering his life a perpetual hell fueled by animosity. Desperate to eclipse Abel’s artistic standing, Joaquin resolves to achieve greatness through scientific breakthroughs and marries Antonia not for love, but in search of solace. Antonia, aware of Joaquin’s obsession, hopes to heal him.

Ironies of Talent and Ambition

The contrast between Joaquin and Abel is underscored by their talents: Abel’s art is seen as technically proficient, almost scientific, while Joaquin views his scientific endeavors as instinctual and poetic. However, Joaquin’s daily routine saps his ambition for groundbreaking discoveries. His resentment intensifies when a woman he cared for dies, yet Abel immortalizes her through his art. The arrival of Abel and Helena’s son, Abelin, further stokes Joaquin’s envy, prompting him to vow that his own offspring will surpass Abelin.

Symbolism and Realization

Abel’s decision to paint the biblical story of Cain and Abel compels Joaquin to read Lord Byron’s "Cain," which profoundly affects him. This confrontation with his own hatred reveals it as the essence of his being, condemning him to a lifetime of internal torment. The birth of his daughter, Joaquina, spurs Joaquin’s hope that she will avenge him against Abel. Despite his enmity, Joaquin delivers an exceptional tribute to Abel at a celebratory event for Abel’s artwork. Ironically, his eloquence overshadows the painting, aggravating his bitterness.

Family Dynamics and Inner Conflict

While Abel’s son pursues medicine, Joaquin dotes on his own daughter, who perceives her father more as a patient than a parent. Upon Abelin’s graduation, he joins Joaquin’s practice, and Joaquin plots to use him against Abel. Joaquina, yearning to rescue her father spiritually, considers joining a convent. Yet Joaquin persuades her to marry Abelin, believing it will secure his redemption by binding Abelin to him.

The Climax and Unraveling

As Joaquin delegates more responsibilities to Abelin, Abelin begins compiling Joaquin’s research for publication. Concurrently, Joaquin pens his "Confession," intended for his daughter, and plans a literary work purporting to expose Abel’s soul, which he believes is similarly afflicted by envy. Joaquin takes comfort in the thought that Abel’s legacy will be tied to him, blind to the fact that his identity is defined by his hatred of Abel.

A Tragic Conclusion

When Joaquinito, the grandson of both Abel and Joaquin, is born, Joaquin’s hostility resurfaces, suspecting the child prefers Abel. A confrontation ensues, and Abel suffers a heart attack when Joaquin attacks him. Joaquin’s life, now devoid of hatred, descends into solitude and despair, culminating in illness. On his deathbed, he confesses his life as a living nightmare, haunted by the realization that love for Antonia might have been his salvation.