""Marta y MarÃ-a"" is a celebrated novel by the prominent Spanish realist Armando Palacio Valdés, presented here in an educational format edited by Willis Knapp Jones and H.H. Arnold. Set in the picturesque maritime town of Nieva, the narrative explores the lives of two sisters whose divergent temperaments serve as a profound study of the human spirit. MarÃ-a , the elder sister, is consumed by a desire for mystical devotion and religious asceticism, while Marta embodies the virtues of practical service, domestic responsibility, and earthly love. Through the contrasting paths of these two women, the work examines the tension between spiritual idealism and the realities of everyday life. Palacio Valdés utilizes his signature psychological insight and vivid characterization to paint a detailed picture of Spanish society and the complexities of faith. This edition, designed for students of the Spanish language, provides an accessible pathway into one of the most enduring works of late 19th-century literature, emphasizing its status as a masterpiece of Spanish realism and a timeless exploration of moral and spiritual duty. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.