Teenage Trauma in the novel La Regenta by Leopoldo Alas “Clarín”

Abstract

The novel La Regenta (1884-5) by the Spanish writer Leopoldo Alas “Clarín” describes Ana Ozores’ childhood and adolescence as vital stages profoundly marked by loneliness and abuse. Her emotional deprivation impacts the mental health of the protagonist from an early age. This essay meets three goals: (1) to relate her adverse experiences with the apparition of a mental disorder; (2) to
describe and illustrate the five types of symptoms of a posttraumatic stress disorder with panic attacks in Ana Ozores; and (3) to read the novel La Regenta as a defense of the social commitment with the emotional needs of childhood and adolescence.