Miau

"Miau" by Benito Pérez Galdós is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a timid young boy named Luisito Cadalso, who struggles with bullying and social dynamics among his peers while living a financially precarious life with his family. The narrative intricately weaves personal and societal themes, portraying the struggles of the lower classes in urban Spain during this time. The opening of "Miau" introduces us to a lively scene as Luisito faces mockery from his schoolmates, culminating in the hurtful nickname "Miau." After escaping the teasing, he encounters his friend Silvestre, who comments on the punishing nature of the insults among children. As the story unfolds, we learn about Luisito's humble home life, including the affection from the neighborhood memorialist and the shifting dynamics within his family, particularly the burdens facing his grandfather, D. Ramón Villaamil, who is struggling with unemployment and the search for a government position. The rest of the opening sets up a poignant exploration of childhood innocence set against the backdrop of adult struggles, hinting at deeper themes of societal critique that Galdós is known for. (This is an automatically generated summary.)