18th Century Enlightenment in Spain: Politics, Society, and Culture
1. Introduction
The 18th century in the West saw remarkable population and production growth, leading to increased reliance on science and technology. This period witnessed the Enlightenment, a movement emphasizing reason as the path to truth and progress. Philosophers like Voltaire, Diderot, and Kant championed this view, marking the birth of the modern scientific spirit.
1.1. Political Aspects
In Spain, following the death of Charles II, the Bourbon monarchs ascended the throne, advocating enlightened despotism. Felipe V’s Nueva Planta decree centralized power. Carlos III introduced reform measures. The French Revolution in 1789 instilled fear in Carlos IV, leading to suppression of new ideas. Manuel Godoy’s rapprochement with France favored Enlightenment ideals, but his dismissal triggered political and economic change.
1.2. Socioeconomic Aspects
Agriculture and population flourished. Bourgeois centers emerged in cities like Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Malaga, and Cadiz, fostering trade and the pursuit of economic liberalization through societies like the Economic Societies of Friends of the Country.
1.3. Sociocultural Aspects
Illiteracy was widespread, with limited awareness of scientific advancements. Latin remained prevalent. Science, reason, experience, and utility were championed. Institutions like the National Library, Royal Spanish Academy, and Royal Academy of History were established. The novatores, precursors of the Enlightenment, spread their ideas through societies and the press.
2. Literary Trends
Literary trends in this century can be divided into two halves:
2.1. First Half of the Century
Writers adhered to Baroque models in poetry, drama, and prose. Benito Jerónimo Feijoo’s essays stand out. Luzán’s Poetics advocated for clearer and more useful poetry.
2.2. Second Half of the Century
Neoclassicism emerged, emphasizing austerity, restrained imagination, and adherence to established models. It valued good taste, balance, simplicity, symmetry, and utility in poetry.
2.2.1. Pre-Romanticism
In the late 18th century, sentimentality and melancholic themes gained prominence, leading some to label this period Pre-Romanticism.
3. Poetry of the 18th Century
3.1. Post-Baroque Poetry
Cultivated in the first half of the century, this style imitated Baroque poets like Góngora and Quevedo, employing traditional forms and themes.
3.2. Neoclassical Poetry
Several trends emerged:
3.2.1. Rococo Poetry:
Refined vocabulary and short meters characterized this style, exemplified by Meléndez Valdés.3.2.2. Philosophical Poetry:
Jovellanos encouraged a shift towards useful poetry.3.2.3. Didactic Poetry:
Samaniego is a key figure.3.2.4. Sentimental Poetry:
Characterized by gloom and despair, with Cienfuegos as a prominent representative.
4. 18th-Century Theater
Baroque works continued in the first half. A shift towards neoclassical theater began mid-century, but gained wider acceptance later. Short, comedic sketches also flourished.
4.1. Neoclassical Theater
This style emphasized clarity, simplicity, naturalness, and adherence to the three unities (action, time, and place). Decorum and a limited number of characters were also observed.
Neoclassical Tragedy:
Didactic in purpose.Neoclassical Comedy:
Written in verse and prose, satirizing societal vices and promoting reason.Sentimental Comedy:
Exalting civic virtues like sensitivity, humanity, and honesty.
4.2. Leandro Fernández de Moratín
The most prominent playwright, known for The New Comedy (1792), critiquing Baroque theater, and The Maidens (1806), addressing marriage and age disparity. His didactic aim is evident.
5. Prose in the 18th Century
The essay, a reflective genre expressing opinions on various aspects of reality, flourished alongside the press.
5.1. Feijoo’s Writings
Feijoo aimed to combat popular errors and modernize Spanish thought. His accessible style and humor appealed to a wide audience.
5.2. Cadalso’s Moroccan Letters
This epistolary essay offers diverse perspectives on Spain through the eyes of different characters, exploring societal issues without offering definitive solutions.
5.3. Jovellanos’s Discourses
A key figure of the Spanish Enlightenment, Jovellanos aimed to educate the populace. His writings addressed authorities, advocating for reforms based on reason, covering political, legal, social, economic, and educational issues. His Report on the Agrarian Law is notable.