Los Pazos De Ulloa

''Los pazos de Ulloa'' by Emilia Pardo Bazán is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows Julián Álvarez, a young cleric, as he travels to the estate of the marqués de Ulloa. He faces the challenges of rural life and the complexities of the marquise's household, revealing issues of class, morality, and human nature within Spanish society at the time. The opening of the novel introduces Julián as he arrives at the Pazos de Ulloa on horseback, battling both the rough terrain and his own excitement and apprehension about taking a position as a capellán. He navigates through the lonely landscapes and meets the inhabitants of the estate, including the brusque marqués and the local peasants. The setting is richly described, immersing the reader in the natural surroundings and the atmosphere of rural Galicia. Julián's initial interactions hint at the struggles and peculiar dynamics he will encounter within the estate, foreshadowing the conflict between his refined ideals and the harsh realities of the life he is about to lead.