Quantitative and qualitative analysis of color symbolism in selected novels of Vicente Blasco Ibanez

Vicente Blasco Ibdnez, regarded by many critics today as the Spanish naturalist novelist par excellence, has long been scorned by critics within the Peninsula, frequently for political reasons. Outside of Spain, however, he has received favorable attention and often been compared to the great French naturalist, Emile Zola. One of the stated goals of the naturalist movement was to present a scientific and truthful depiction of life. In practice, however, their works emphasize the grotesque, or more sordid elements. A key technique in achieving the desired revulsive impact, and one which is especially notable in painting, is the manipulation of colors. Theorists of literature and of painting point out that both use visible signs, whether verbal or iconic, although the spatial nature of painting is distinct from the essentially temporal dimension of the narrative. Since classical antiquity, authors have attempted to blend the two, "painting with words" to varying extent and with unequal results. This study postulates the probability that naturalist writers did, in spite of their stated scientific objectivity, consciously manipulate the chromes in order to present the story more to their liking or to render a certain mood. The use of color in the Valencian novels by Blasco Ib^nez is analyzed to determine if there is evidence of his conscious manipulation of the chromes, or if he seems to generally follow the "traditional symbolism" of the various hues. The methodology employed involved a double reading of the novels for proper identification and classification of all the chromes, not just simply denotative color elements. Then followed an examination of the data across thematic lines, characterization, and plot portrayal to delineate any importances of the author's use of color imagery. The conclusions reached indicate that Blasco Ibanez did consciously manipulate colors to present the story in the light in which he saw things. In fact, the chromatic portrayal of certain characters leaves no doubt as to the tenuousness of the "scientific objectivity," and presentation of life in a petri dish, on the part of Blasco Ibanez.