El Buey Suelto... Cuadros Edificantes De La Vida De UN Solterón

''El buey suelto... Cuadros edificantes de la vida de un solterón'' by José María de Pereda is a fictional work crafted during the late 19th century. This book explores the life and thoughts of Gedeón, a man who embodies the archetype of the selfish bachelor, reflecting on themes of solitude, indulgence, and the nature of marital life. As Gedeón navigates his comfortable but ultimately hollow existence, the narrative promises a mix of satire, social commentary, and insightful observations about the mundane realities of both single and married life. The opening of the work introduces Gedeón, who is characterized as an egoist, luxuriating in his bachelor lifestyle. Through his introspections, he draws distinctions between various types of egoists, ultimately leading himself to ponder the merits and demerits of marriage. At this stage, he is struck by the pangs of loneliness after the loss of a parental figure, compelling him to reflect on both the comforts and hardships of life as a celibate man. Disgruntled by his solitude, he imagines potential futures intertwined with the prospect of marriage while simultaneously voicing his disdain for the societal pressures and dissatisfaction that come with it, laying the groundwork for his examination of the contradictions inherent in domestic life.