Clemens Hagen

• Investigations focusing on the social criticism in La Regenta (1884-1885) by Leopoldo Alas «Clarín» have constantly referred to the unmasking of society’s hypocrisy and provincialism through the implementation of satire and irony in the novel. This observation, though, has to be defined more clearly. Vetustan society, specifically the bourgeoisie, is characterized primarily by the incessant exhibition of supposed wisdom and intelligentsia in public to generate social prestige and power. By analyzing the narrative strategies which are related toInvestigations focusing on the social criticism in La Regenta (1884-1885) by Leopoldo Alas «Clarín» have constantly referred to the unmasking of society’s hypocrisy and provincialism through the implementation of satire and irony in the novel. This observation, though, has to be defined more clearly. Vetustan society, specifically the bourgeoisie, is characterized primarily by the incessant exhibition of supposed wisdom and intelligentsia in public to generate social prestige and power. By analyzing the narrative strategies which are related to the composition of the secondary characters, the role of two specific public venues (Casino and Theatre of Vetusta) and the (de)construction of P. Ronzal, P. Guimarán and S. Bermúdez in the novel, this article illustrates how false wisdom and pseudo-intelligentsia become central motifs regarding social criticism in La Regenta.…