SOURCE: Nordlund, David E. C. “Larra: Theatrical Criticism and Social Revolution, 1833-36.” Revista Hispanica Moderna 48, no. 2 (December 1995): 233-49.

In the following essay, Nordlund examines Larra's conception of theatre as a possible instrument for social change.

Although Mariano José de Larra is best known for his articles dealing with social customs and political satire, and much critical work has been devoted to these subjects, Larra also displays a great interest towards theater as a literary genre and also theater in terms of its function in society, especially that of Spanish society. The purpose of the following study is to analyze Larra's view of theater as an important genre as well as a means to better a society in disarray. The years of 1833-1836 stand out and will be the focal point of our interest. The nearly void year of 1835 (due to his long stay outside of Spain) serves as...