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From aristocratic girl to literary giant: What are the unknown secrets of Pardo Bazin's coming-of-age story?
In the long history of Spanish literature, Emilia Pardo Bazán is not only a noble girl, but her writing has added rich color to the literature of the Faxi River. As a leading literary figure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, she was famous for her naturalistic creations and advocacy of women's rights, making her one of the most outstanding female writers of that era. Pardo Bazin's growth story is not only eye-catching, but also contains many unknown secrets. Let us explore her unknown past together.
Childhood and Education
Emilia Pardo Bazán was born in Akron, Galicia, Spain in 1851. As an only child, her family environment was quite favorable. Her father, an aristocrat who believed in the intellectual equality of men and women, provided her with an excellent education and cultivated her love of literature from an early age. She began writing poetry when she was 9 years old and was exposed to various books in her father's library.
"I have been obsessed with the world of books since I was a child, and this obsession shaped my literary character in the future."
Among her reading materials, classic works such as "Don Quixote" and "The Bible" deeply influenced her thinking and creation. Discussing science and philosophy with her father's friends made her still thirsty for knowledge in an era when women were restricted from receiving higher education.
Marriage and literary career
At 16, she married 18-year-old law student José Antonio de Quiroga. However, her marriage did not stop her literary creation. With the literary prize she won in 1876 and the subsequent publication of poetry collections and novels, she gradually rose to prominence in the literary world. In "The Biography of Lopez Medical Student", she achieved initial success with her realistic and romantic style.
"My works are not only literature, but also the expression of the female soul."
Her creative style was gradually influenced by French naturalism, especially the work of Earl Zola, making her one of the first representatives of Spanish naturalism. After the publication of her "Forum" in 1883, it completely changed the face of Spanish novels.
Fight for women’s rights
Bazin was not only an excellent novelist, but also an advocate for women's rights. She strongly opposed the education content that women received at that time and believed that women should have equal educational opportunities as men. At a conference in 1882, she outspokenly criticized the poor practices of female education in Spain, demonstrating her firm stance.
"Our society needs to change, and women should have the opportunity to receive a real education."
Not only is she the president of the Madrid Literary Association, she also speaks out on many important social occasions and is involved in the struggle for women’s right to speak. Despite the onslaught of sexism, she remained steadfast in promoting women's social and intellectual emancipation.
Cultural influence and later creation
During her literary journey, Pardo Bazin was not only good at writing novels, but also published a book on catering in 1905, demonstrating her enduring interest in food culture. Her writing not only contains literary aesthetics, but also shows her pursuit of innovation in Spanish food culture at that time.
"Food is part of culture. Writing about food is writing about life."
Her later works gradually tended towards symbolism and spiritual themes, and she continued to explore creative possibilities within various literary forms. The breadth of her subject matter is still praised by many readers today.
Heritage and remembrance
Pardo Bazán died in 1921, but her influence has not faded with time. A bronze statue of her was unveiled in Madrid in 1926 and appeared on a Spanish postage stamp in 1972. In 2017, Google also commemorated her 166th birthday with a Doodle, showing that she still has a place in the literary world.
Her life and creations inspired subsequent writers and female activists, and promoted attention and discussion on women's rights. So, what thoughts and actions has this woman who grew from an aristocratic girl to a literary giant inspired in modern society?
