society and the individual in three novels of Camilo Jose Cela

Abstract

The three novels studied in this thesis are La familia de Pascual Duarte, Navas andanzas y desventuras de Lazarillo de Tormes and La colmena. Although they are basically different in content and structure, each does, however, manifest a preoccupation with the reactions of the individual to his fellow man. In general, intimate human relationships are not seen but rather the opposite with violence, hostility, selfishness and apathy playing a dominant role in varying degrees in each of these novels. Thus, for a variety of reasons, some beyond their control, Pascual Duarte, Lazaro and Martin Marco come to represent the ‘lower’ or outsider' figures within their respective societies. The factor that, is largely beyond the control of each of these men is the attitude of their fellows; the hostility, suspicion and lack of compassion that, apart from brief interludes, pervade the three novels in question. Duarte and Lazaro increasingly come to profess a belief in an inclement destiny, although the former may well have an ulterior motive for this. The 'Final' of La colmena may, however, permit a feeling of cautious optimism as various individuals share a common goal in an attempt to help Martin Marco. Whatever fate awaits him it is ironical that he, too, may be frustrated by circumstances or destiny when he at last appears to have decided to conduct his life in a more positive and possibly fruitful manner. Yet at least some people are showing a genuine concern for an individual's plight, acting upon this and thereby showing a responsive and compassionate attitude rarely seen in La colmena or for that matter, in either of the other two novels. Also discussed at length, and with particular reference to thematic exigencies, is the structure of each of the novels under consideration.