18th and 19th Century Spanish Literature: Key Movements and Authors
Neoclassicism in 18th-Century Spanish Literature
Neoclassicism’s main objective was to spread new ideas based on criteria of service, liberal use of reason, and a focus on humanity and commitment. It acknowledged a central axis to reason and good taste, rejecting repressed passion and sentimentality. Its literature is not literal and pretends moderation in study. Its task was to disseminate new ideas through education. Its thought is the desire to teach, delighting the city. Neoclassicism’s aesthetic ideal was rigorous literary standards, free of excessive embellishment, and expressive spontaneity. It admires Renaissance manifestations, especially those of its time. The 18th century predominantly favored essays and epistles.
Realism in 19th-Century Spanish Literature
Realism was a literary movement that emerged in the 19th century as a reaction to the subjective excesses of Romanticism. It tended towards strict observation of reality, capturing every detail. It is characterized by descriptions of environments and the reproduction of colloquial language. The most important literary genre of the time was the novel. Key factors influencing Realism included a taste for positivism, scientific advancements, and the rise of the bourgeoisie. Everyday life replaced legendary sentiment.
Characteristics of Realism:
- Interest in reality
- Tendency towards objectification and verisimilitude
- Pretense of an objective voice (although the author’s presence is still felt, it is considered relative).
Larra (Mariano José de Larra)
Regarding his literary work, it is important to highlight his historical novel, The Youth of Henry the Suffering. Larra’s journalistic work is the most important part of his production. He wrote over 200 articles combating the organization of the state against absolutism, Carlism, and mocking society. He published articles in periodicals under pseudonyms such as Figaro, El Duende, and Andrés Niporesas. His articles are divided into three groups:
Costumbrista Articles
These articles synthesize the Spanish way of life, showing his concern for Spain, which leads to a bitter and pessimistic tone. Among the most important are: “Vuelva usted mañana” and “El día de difuntos de 1836”.
Political Articles
These articles show his liberal and progressive ideology. Among the most important is: “Nadie pase sin hablar al portero”.
Literary Articles
These are 60 articles, primarily referring to theater. Here, he oscillates between Neoclassical and progressive ideas, assimilating Romantic elements. In addition to his articles, he wrote a historical novel, poetry, and Neoclassical plays. His most important work is a satire against the vices of the court. He also wrote a historical drama called Macías.
Clarín (Leopoldo Alas)
Literary Work
Despite the brevity of his narrative work, it is highly significant. Along with Galdós, he is considered one of the greatest novelists of the 20th century.
Short Narratives
In his stories, Clarín demonstrates a great mastery of language, narrative development, and technique. Humor and tenderness abound. His main characters are diverse: from simple and popular people to high society and intellectuals. The stories are divided into two types:
- Satirical: These stories ridicule characters whose features are caricatured.
- Reflective: These express personal concerns: love, religion, false intellectualism, selfishness, envy, humility, etc.
“¡Adiós, Cordera!” exalts the simple and natural world versus the dehumanizing imperatives and technical advancements of modern society. He wrote over 100 short stories in various collections, including Solos de Clarín and Paliques.
Short Novels
- Pipa: A sad and harsh story of a child who lives in deception.
- Doña Berta: The story of a woman who travels to Madrid in search of lost love.
Novels
Clarín wrote two novels: La Regenta and Su único hijo.