Catalan Secessionism: the Idea of Catalonia in Spain in Pérez Galdós’s Episodios nacionales

Abstract

This article explores the reflection of Catalonia in the Episodios nacionales written by Benito Pérez Galdós. It is a study of two works of Pérez Galdós: “Gerona” (1874) and “Un voluntario realista” (1878). The goal is to come to understand the extent to which Pérez Galdós lobbied for the freedoms of nationalist groups, including the most predominant, Catalan nationlism . In other words, to understand what position Catalonia held in the Episodios nacionales? The conclusion proposes that in the era of the Episodios Catalonia and Spain were inseparable and both sought a common interest in fighting side by side against the French enemy.