One of the most interesting chapters in the literary career of Leopoldo Alas (Clarín) deals with his advocacy of naturalism and the creation and defense of his most famous original work, La Regenta. Early in his literary life Alas placed himself in the forefront of the Spanish followers of Emile Zola and for many years was one of the most vigorous advocates of naturalism in Spain. He came to the movement with abundant enthusiasm, defended it in many fiery polemics, but maintained throughout his life very definite reservations which reveal a Leopoldo Alas scarcely ever recognized by his contemporaries.
