Larra's View of the Social Classes as Perceived in His "Articulos"

Abstract

Any study of the social classes as perceived by Mariano Jose de Larra must take into consideration the ideological position that reflected his evaluation of them. As all those interested in Larra know, the doctrine of the age of enlightenment was the single most important force that shaped his world view. This period offered an approach to life that was characterized by the pursuit of knowledge that reflected the importance of observation and reason in the sciences along with a strong didactic tendency in literature, which was set in the cast of the amelioration of society. The seeds of this rational and progressive attitude were sown in his years of study spent in France and Spain. This important facet began on May 23, 1813 when Dr. Mariano de Larra and his family had to leave Spain for France because of his affiliation as a surgeon in Jose Bonaparte's army, which had been defeated by the insurgent Spanish forces. It was not until 1818 that Larra would return to Spain, thanks to the decree of amnesty granted by Fernando VII. During those years spent in France, Figaro's father provided his son with the constant support and presence of an enlightened, well-informed parent. A chief concern of the age of enlightenment was to spread knowledge in order to benefit mankind and to employ science as an indispensable means toward progress. One illustration of this is revealed in Dr. Larra's two year stay in Paris where, according to A. Rumeau, Pendant deux ans, il poursuit ses etudes et frequente les principaux h6pitaux.1 Another example is demonstrated through his successful efforts in stamping out a cholera epidemic in Navalcarnero. A further consideration is revealed in one of the reasons cited