Azorín (Pseudonym of José Martínez Ruiz) Criticism
Azorín, the pseudonym of José Martínez Ruiz, was a prominent Spanish novelist, essayist, and dramatist associated with Spain's "Generation of '98." Renowned for his concise and sensitive prose, Azorín's work reflects meticulous attention to detail and the everyday. His pen name originates from a fictional character he created, blending the boundaries between his literary and personal identities. Azorín's transformation from a youthful radical critic of societal and political institutions to a proponent of traditionalism is a significant aspect of his literary journey, as analyzed by Mirella d'Ambrosio Servodidio. In his novel Doña Inés, Azorín explores complex temporal themes, symbolically portraying time through historical parallels and the idea of Nietzschean Eternal Return, challenging perceptions of his work as static, as discussed by Julian Palley. Furthermore, Azorín's novels delve into themes of identity and creativity, reflecting an ongoing struggle with the passage of time and self-awareness, a duality of creation and existential anxiety noted by Livingstone. His literary contributions under various pseudonyms, including Cándido and Ahriman, further illustrate his complex engagement with the artistic process.
Contents
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Azorín: A Changing Vision of Spain
(summary)
In the following essay, Mirella d'Ambrosio Servodidio analyzes the evolution of Azorín's perspective on Spain, highlighting his transition from youthful radicalism and critique of social and political structures to a conservative acceptance of tradition, as revealed through his short stories.
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Images of Time in 'Doña Inés'
(summary)
In the following essay, Julian Palley analyzes the intricate use of temporal themes in Azorín's Doña Inés, emphasizing the novel's dynamic portrayal of time through symbols, historical parallels, and the concept of Nietzschean Eternal Return, while challenging the perception of Azorín's work as static.
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Self-Creation and Alienation in the Novels of Azorín
(summary)
In the following essay, Livingstone examines Azorín's exploration of identity and creativity, arguing that his novels reflect a struggle with the passage of time and the pursuit of self-awareness, wherein the act of artistic creation is both a means of self-realization and a source of existential anxiety.