Fortunata and Jacinta: Analysis of Major Characters
"Fortunata and Jacinta" is a significant four-volume novel set in 1870s Madrid, focusing on the intertwined lives of its complex characters, particularly Juanito Santa Cruz, a morally ambiguous protagonist. Juanito's character is shaped by the influence of his mother, Bárbara Santa Cruz, who spoils him and runs a family-owned dry-goods store. The novel also explores the contrasting lives of two central female figures: Fortunata, a vibrant and passionate lower-class woman who becomes Juanito's mistress and later marries Maximiliano, and Jacinta, his beautiful but childless cousin chosen as his wife.
Fortunata's journey is marked by tragedy; she ultimately dies seeking revenge on both Juanito and Jacinta. Maximiliano, characterized by his struggles with schizophrenia, provides an additional layer of complexity as he marries Fortunata despite her tumultuous relationship with Juanito. The narrative is populated with a range of characters, including supportive figures like Colonel Evaristo Feijóo and the meddling Lupe, each contributing to the rich tapestry of social dynamics and class distinctions in 19th-century Spanish society. This novel invites readers to reflect on the themes of love, betrayal, and the moral dilemmas faced by its characters.
Fortunata and Jacinta: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Benito Pérez Galdós
First published: Fortunata y Jacinta, 1886–1887 (English translation, 1973)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Madrid, Spain
Plot: Social
Time: 1869–1875
Juanito Santa Cruz (hwah-NEE-toh SAHN-tah crewz), the protagonist in a realistic four-volume novel of bourgeois life in Madrid in the 1870's. He is without morals or scruples.
Bárbara Santa Cruz (BAHR-bah-rah), Juanito's mother and the proprietor of a dry-goods store established by the family in the previous century. She spoils her son.
Plácido Estupiña (PLAH-see-doh ehs-tew-peen-YAH), a part-time smuggler and her adviser.
Fortunata (fohr-tew-NAH-tah), a lively, attractive lower-class woman who becomes Juanito's mistress. Later she marries Maximiliano. She dies of exposure while seeking revenge for Jacinta and herself.
Petusin (peh-tew-SEEN), the illegitimate son of Juanito and Fortunata.
Jacinta (hah-SEEN-tah), Juanito's placid, beautiful cousin, chosen by his mother to be his wife. She cannot have children.
Maximiliano Rubín (mahks-ee-mee-lee-AH-noh rrew-BEEN), the ugly, schizophrenic orphan son of a goldsmith. He marries Fortunata.
Lupe (LEW-peh), Maximiliano's aunt, who warns Fortunata against the marriage.
Juan Pablo Rubín (hwahn PAHB-loh), one of Maximiliano's brothers, a loafer.
Colonel Evaristo Feijóo (eh-vahr-EES-toh feh-ee-HOHoh), an elderly protector of Fortunata.
Guillermina Pancheco (gee-yehr-MEE-nah pahn-CHAY-koh), at whose house Jacinta learns of her husband's infidelity.
The Widow Samaniego (sah-mahn-ee-EH-goh), the owner of a drugstore, who employs Maximiliano.
Aurora (ow-ROH-rah), her flashy daughter, who attracts Juanito. They become lovers.
Moreno Isla (mohr-EH-noh EES-lah), whose proposition is refused by the faithful Jacinta.