EL MAL FRANCÉS EN LA LITERATURA ESPAÑOLA: DESENGAÑO Y GROTESCO EN TRES RETRATOS (LOZANA, MAXI RUBÍN Y MAX ESTRELLA).

This paper's aims is to analyze the presence and effects of syphilis on three characters from the Spanish literature: Lozana (La Lozana andaluza, 1528), Maxi Rubín (Fortunata y Jacinta, 1887) and Max Estrella (Luces de Bohemia, 1920). The common thread is constituted by three features that give thematic and temporal coherence and cohesion to the studied works: the grotesque framing that portrays the vicissitudes and characterisation of the syphilitic, the relevance of their symptoms for the plot, and how the latter connect with the character's final disillusionment. Thus, this critical interpretation seeks to reform and emphasize the symbolism of these characters by analyzing the truthful repercussions this illness has on their actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]