Torquemada y San Pedro

"Torquemada y San Pedro" by Benito Pérez Galdós is a novel written in the late 19th century. The work revolves around the life of Don Francisco Torquemada, a wealthy yet miserly nobleman, primarily focusing on themes of wealth, morality, and social structure within Spanish society. The opening sets the stage for a rich characterization and a detailed exploration of the interactions between Torquemada and his domestic environment, illustrating the complexities of his personality and his relationships with others. At the start of the novel, the narrative unfolds in the grand yet somber palace of Gravelinas during a slow January morning. The atmosphere is meticulously described as servants bustle about preparing for a significant mass ceremony occurring on the 11th of the month, which holds personal significance to the household. We are introduced to a variety of characters, including Torquemada, who embodies both the idiosyncrasies and moral contradictions of the wealthy class, and the priest San Pedro, whose presence influences events in this household. The slice-of-life depiction emphasizes the chaos and comedic elements of daily routine amid the elaborate setting of the ducal residence, hinting at deeper social commentary to unfold in the narrative. (This is an automatically generated summary.)