Vicente Blasco Ibáñez
Vicente Blasco Ibáñez
Full Name and Common Aliases
Vicente Blasco Ibáñez was a Spanish novelist, playwright, and journalist. He is commonly known as the "Master of the Naturalistic Novel" due to his influential works that captured the harsh realities of life in 19th-century Spain.
Birth and Death Dates
Vicente Blasco Ibáñez was born on January 29, 1867, in Valencia, Spain. He passed away on April 28, 1928, in Paris, France.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: Spanish
Professions:
Novelist
Playwright
JournalistEarly Life and Background
Blasco Ibáñez was born into a family of modest means. His early life was marked by hardship, with his father struggling to make ends meet as a grocer. Despite these difficulties, Blasco Ibáñez developed a passion for reading and writing from an young age. He began working as a journalist at the age of 15, contributing articles to local newspapers in Valencia.
Major Accomplishments
Blasco Ibáñez's literary career spanned several decades, during which he produced numerous novels, plays, and essays that captured the essence of Spanish life. Some of his most notable works include:
_La barraca_ (The Barrack): a novel about the struggles of rural workers in Valencia
_Cañas y barro_ (Reeds and Clay): a novel that exposed the harsh realities of urban poverty
_La horda_ (The Horde): a novel that explored themes of social inequality and rebellion
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his literary works, Blasco Ibáñez was also known for his activism. He was a vocal advocate for social justice and workers' rights, using his platform as a journalist to speak out against the injustices faced by the working class.
Impact and Legacy
Vicente Blasco Ibáñez's impact on Spanish literature cannot be overstated. His works not only captured the harsh realities of life in 19th-century Spain but also paved the way for future generations of writers. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Spanish novelists of all time, and his influence can still be seen in contemporary literature today.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Blasco Ibáñez's quotes are often remembered for their insight into the human condition and their ability to capture the complexities of social justice. His words continue to resonate with readers around the world, serving as a reminder of the power of literature to inspire change and challenge the status quo.
As a master of the naturalistic novel, Blasco Ibáñez's works continue to be widely read and studied today. His legacy serves as a testament to the enduring power of literature to capture the human experience and inspire positive change in the world.
Quotes by Vicente Blasco Ibáñez

Pero en la tarde, cuando vió venir por el camino a unos señores vestidos de negro, fúnebres pajarracos con alas de papel arrolladas bajo el brazo, ya no dudó. Aquel era el enemigo. Iban a robarle.

Y, en verdad, todos esperaban de Gallardo hondas emociones. Porque a él le gustaba el riesgo. Nadie se acercaba a los toros como él, nadie jugaba tanto con la muerte. Todos creían que su destino era morir en la plaza.

Dígale a Su Santidad que allá no hay partidos democráticos ni nada de esas pestes modernas que como él dice hacen la infelicidad de los pueblos. Los reyes velan por nuestra dicha; los sacerdotes son venedarísimos; todos los españoles somos católicos...

Estaban más solos que en medio del desierto; el vacío del odio era mil veces peor que el de la Naturaleza.

¡Adiós!... Y a la melancólica despedida se una la incertidumbre del porvenir, la sospecha de que no volveré a contemplar estos lugares amados, de que las circunstancias de mi vida harán que ésta se extinga antes de poder cumplir mi deseo

Cuando se viaja se abandonan las ciudades, por gratas que sean, con un sentimiento de alegría. Es la curiosidad que se despierta de nuevo, el instinto ancestral de cambio y movimiento, que llevamos en nosotros como herencia de nuestros remotísimos abuelos, nómadas incansables del mundo prehistórico ¿Qué habrá más allá? ¿Qué nos espera en la próxima etapa?...

¡Benditos los pueblos que carecen de imaginación! ¡De ellos serán la tranquilidad y las virtudes vulgares!

Era un placer nuevo e intenso. Alguna vez se habían de imponer los pobres y quedar los ricos debajo. Y el duro pan parecía más sabroso, el vino mejor, el trabajo menos pesado, imaginándose las rabietas de los dos avaros, que con todo su dinero habíade sufrir que los rústicos de la huerta se burlasen de ellos.

El grupo de chilenos dijo adiós a Isidro con francos ofrecimientos. Su tierra no era Buenos Aires; había menos dinero, menos lujo, pero la vida era tal vez más alegre.
