Sotileza

''Sotileza'' by José María de Pereda is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in Santander, Spain, and offers a vivid portrayal of local life, focusing on the struggles and interactions of a group of impoverished children. The narrative appears to center around young characters such as Andrés and Silda, exploring their daily realities and relationships within the context of their challenging environment. The opening of ''Sotileza'' introduces us to the sad and bleak surroundings of a cramped room filled with ragged children under the tutelage of a weary priest named Fray Apolinar. The children, poorly dressed and unruly, struggle with their lessons and show little understanding of basic questions about faith and identity. Their interactions are marked by a lack of knowledge and misunderstanding, while the priest expresses frustration at their ignorance. The scene sets the tone for the novel, emphasizing themes of poverty, innocence, and the quest for knowledge amidst a harsh environment, as the narrative hints at the characters’ backgrounds and the social conditions of their time.