Today in Writing: September 16 – Emilia Pardo Bazán’s Birthday

Emilia Pardo Bazán was born today in writing history on September 16.

Today in Writing: September 16: Emilia Pardo Bazán’s Birthday

Emilia Pardo Bazán was born on September 16, 1851. Pardo Bazán was a Spanish writer known for her feminist ideas and for introducing naturalism to Spanish literature. She is a prominent figure in the feminist movement.

Additional Facts About Emilia Pardo Bazán

Please take this opportunity to learn more about Emilia Pardo Bazán’s life and her contributions to the literary world. Pardo Bazán was a visionary during her time and a champion of women’s equality. Aspiring writers should also use this opportunity as a writing exercise. Find inspiration and learn more details about Emilia Pardo Bazán.

Emilia Pardo Bazán Biography

Emilia Pardo Bazán was born on September 16, 1851, in A Coruña, Galicia, Spain. She was the only child of José Pardo Bazán y Mosquera and Amalia de la Rúa Figueroa y Somoza. Pardo Bazán’s family was wealthy and from the noble class in the county. Her father believed in intellectual equality, so Emilia received an excellent education.

Emilia Pardo Bazán’s Education

In Pardo Bazán’s day, women were forbidden to receive an education. Females were not to be taught specific topics, like philosophy. Traditionally, essential topics for women to master were home economics and music. Pardo Bazán refused to be limited to these subjects.

Emilia Pardo Bazán’s status allowed her untraditional education. She learned a variety of topics with an interest in languages and humanities. While she was still forbidden to attend college, Pardo Bazán could educate herself by talking with her affluent and educated family friends.

This education ignited Pardo Bazán’s passion for reading and literature. Her father’s library gave her access to a continuous supply of literary works, from Don Quixote to the Bible. Notably, Emilia Pardo Bazán was particularly interested in books about the French Revolution and the immense social and economic changes it brought about in the neighboring country.

Emilia Pardo Bazán Writing and Activism

Emilia Pardo Bazán continued to fight against women’s inequality into her adult life. At 16, Pardo Bazán married 18 year old Don José Antonio de Quiroga y Pérez de Deza. The couple would have three children.

Her writing began receiving public recognition as early as 1876. In that year, she received an award for her essay, Estudio crítico de las Obras del Padre Feijoo (Critical Essay on the Works of Father Feijoo). The monk held pro-feminist views, possibly explaining Pardo Bazán’s interest in the man.

Pardo Bazán published her first novel, Pascual López: Autobiografía de un Estudiante de Medicina (Pascual López: Autobiography of a Medical Student), in 1879. Over the next two years, she would publish two more novels: Un Viaje de Novios (A Honeymoon Trip) in 1891 and La Tribuna (The Tribune) in 1883. La Tribuna is considered to be the first naturalist novel in Spanish Literature.

Her outspoken opinions in critical essays caused a stir. Pardo Bazán’s writing caused a sensation, which led to her husband seeking a separation. Emilia kept custody of the children while Don José moved away from the family. 

Pardo Bazán’s Later Life

Emilia Pardo Bazán would go on to publish more naturalist books. She was a standard bearer for women’s rights and gender equality worldwide. She would spread her message to a generation of women and inspire those after that. 

Through her writing, Emilia Pardo Bazán was able to change the world. Her writing helped support a worldwide movement that still seeks to make progress today. She wrote and spoke at universities until her deal. Pardo Bazán died on May 12, 1921, in Madrid, Spain.

Notable Emilia Pardo Bazán Books In Order

Pascual López: Autobiografía de un Estudiante de Medicina (Pascual López: Autobiography of a Medical Student, 1879)

El Saludo de las Brujas (The Witches Salute, 1880)

Un Viaje de Novios (A Fiance Trip, 1881)

La Cuestión Palpitante (The Throbbing Question, 1882)

La Tribuna (The Tribune, 1883)

La Dama Joven (The Young Lady, 1885)

Los Pazos de Ulloa (The House of Ulloa, 1886)

La Madre Naturaleza (Mother Nature, 1887)

Insolacion (Sunstroke, 1889)

Dulce Dueno (Sweet Master, 1891)

Memorias de un Solterón (Memoirs of a Bachelor, 1896)

Cuentos Tragicos (Tragic Tales, 1900)

Un Destripador de Antaño y Otros Cuentos (A Ripper of Old and Other Tales, 1900)

La Sirena Negra (The Black Mermaid, 1908)

La Gota de Sangre (The Drop of Blood, 1911)

La Cocina Espanola Antigua (The Old Spanish Kitchen, 1913)

Today in Writing: September 16 – Emilia Pardo Bazán Quotes

Emilia Pardo Bazán was ahead of her time. Her writing made a lasting mark in the feminist movement. She also made a lasting mark on Spanish literature by introducing naturalism. Pardo Bazán’s legacy is one of power, equality, and reflection. Aspiring writers should take note of the author’s ability to question the status quo and speak truth to power through her writing.

Emilia Pardo Bazán Quotes

God punishes sins, but the world I see only punishes lack of foresight and blunders.

La educación de la mujer no puede llamarse tal educación, sino doma, pues se propone por fin la obediencia, la pasividad y la sumisión.

(The education of women cannot be called such education, but taming, since finally obedience, passivity and submission are proposed.)

Todas las mujeres conciben ideas, pero no todas conciben hijos

(All women conceive ideas, but not all conceive children.)

El mundo es un conjunto de ojos, oídos y bocas, que se cierran para lo bueno y se abren para lo malo gustosísimas.

(The world is a set of eyes, ears and mouths, which close for the good and open for the bad with great pleasure.)

Today in Writing: September 16 – Aspiring Writers Daily Writing Exercise

Do any of the stories from Emilia Pardo Bazán’s life inspire you? Do any of Pardo Bazán’s contributions to literature inspire an idea of your own? Do any of her quotes inspire or make you think? 

Find a topic from today’s update and freewrite about it for at least 10 minutes. Don’t let any opportunity to write go to waste. Aspiring writers: Practice your writing today! Celebrate Today in Writing History September 16.