Miséricorde

"Miséricorde" by Benito Pérez Galdós is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the themes of poverty, compassion, and the social dynamics of the urban poor in Madrid, focusing on the characters of the beggars who frequent church doors for alms, particularly a woman named Benina. The novel explores the contrasts of society, bringing to light the struggles and nuances of the characters’ lives and relationships with each other and their benefactors. The opening of "Miséricorde" sets the scene at the church of San-Sebastian, where the contrasts between the wealthy and the impoverished are sharply illustrated. The narrative introduces various characters including Pulido, an aging blind beggar, and Don Carlos, a charitable gentleman who provides alms. As the weather turns bitterly cold, Pulido reflects on the difficult realities faced by the poor, while the community of beggars is portrayed engaging in discussions marked by rivalry and camaraderie. Benina, a central character, is depicted as dignified and selfless, contrasting with the more contentious figures among her peers. The dynamics among the beggars hint at deeper social commentary on class and humanity, laying the groundwork for the broader themes explored throughout the novel. (This is an automatically generated summary.)