Investigating Benito Pérez Galdós's Early Style :A Corpus-Stylistic Approach

Resumen

This chapter scritinises Benito Pérez Galdós's early style using a computer-assisted methodology. The analysis focuses on keywords in his first novel, La Fontana de Oro, as compared against the backdrop of his other novels (6.3 million words). We concentrate on statistically salient reporting verbs, which are frecuently used in direct speech projecting clauses. Not only are these clauses used to report characters speech, but they also fulfil specific literary effects. We discuss three separate aspects. First, we look into how reporting verbs are used with descriptions that reveal insights into the psychological dimension of characters. Second, we discuss how voices are combined with body language to create an impression of simultaneity. Finally, we look into how pauses are frequently narrated retrospectively, enabling readers to experience tension in moments of heightened intensity. The chapter sets out to illustrate the potential of corpus stylistics, which still remains an uderexplored approach in the analysis of literary texts written in Spanish.