18th-Century Spain: Enlightenment, Neoclassicism, and Societal Shifts

Posted on Feb 1, 2025 in Modern Philology. English

Enlightenment and Neoclassicism

The European Enlightenment

In the 18th century, also known as the Enlightenment, the figure that represents the desire to modernize society according to rational standards appeared in France. Its origins are:

  • Descartes: Reason was the only way to knowledge of reality.
  • Locke and Bacon: Observation and experimentation are essential methods to analyze the world.

The main manifestation of the free spirit of enlightenment was published in France by Diderot and d’Alembert. In Spain, it was banned.

Enlightenment ideology was manifested in a form of governance characterized by:

  • Enlightened despotism maintains that the exercise of power must be guided by the maxim of “everything for the people but without the people” (royal absolutism).
  • Didacticism is the most outstanding feature of eighteenth-century literature.

In this period, Rousseau emphasized Emile, or On Education.

Historical Framework of the 18th Century in Spain

The death of Charles II in the 18th century without children initiated a civil war in Spain between supporters of the Archduke Charles and Philip of Anjou. In 1713, the Treaty of Utrecht was signed, recognizing Philip V as King. During his tenure, he ceded Gibraltar, Menorca, and other possessions to England.

The influence of France under the Bourbons was manifested in:

  • Administrative centralization: Philip V removed the rights and privileges of certain regions, making all the territories of the Crown have the same dependence on royal authority except Navarra.
  • Home of reforms: Created ministries, public finance, remodeled hosts, etc. But these reforms were halted by Charles IV.
  • Absolute monarchy: They concentrated all powers in his hands.

This form of government aspired to an improvement in people’s living conditions.

Enlightenment in Spain

Enlightenment figures are part of Madrid. At this time, Afrancesados appear. They are a group of intellectuals committed to modernizing the country, applying the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Noteworthy figures include Francisco de Goya, Meléndez Valdés, and Moratín.

Institutions for progress:

  • National Library: Created by Felipe V in 1712 from the real library books.
  • RAE (Royal Spanish Academy): Created in 1713 to set the voices and words of the Castilian language in the most propriety, elegance, and purity.
  • The Royal Academy of History: Appeared in 1735 to recover, preserve, and study the relevant documents of the Spanish past.

Neoclassicism

Literary trends in the 18th century:

  • The taste for the baroque aesthetic continued (in the theater, mid-century).
  • Neoclassicism triumphed in the second part of the century and continued well into the 19th century.
  • Preromanticism appeared in the last decade of the 18th century. In these works, sentiments prevail.

The Neo-classical Aesthetic

Neoclassicism is a return to the Greco-Roman aesthetic ideal. It aims to restore harmony, moderation, and perfection of classical and baroque, seeking to avoid excesses. In the art world, the enlightened are interested in the development of civil architecture and urbanism. The neoclassical style offers:

  • Universal models: Causing a homogenization in the artistic and literary themes.
  • Didactic purpose in art, chaired by balance and reason.
  • Submission to the rules.

Neoclassical Literary Genres

  • Prose fiction: It is almost nonexistent. Highlights include the Autobiography by Torres de Villarroel, and Fray Gerundio de Campazas by Father Isla.
  • Didactic prose: It is the most cultivated literary expression. Main representatives:
  • Feijoo: Universal Critical Theater highlights and Erudite and Curious Letters.
  • Cadalso: Poet, playwright, and military. He wrote Moroccan Letters.
  • Jovellanos: He wrote plays and poetry, and further prose.
  • Didactic Poetry: Highlight the fables of Iriarte and Samaniego.
    • Lyric Poetry:
    • Anacreontic: Meléndez Valdés excelled.
    • Salamanca School: Includes Meléndez Valdés, Cadalso, and Jovellanos.
    • Seville School: Alberto Lista and José Marchena stand out.
    • Pre-romantic: José María Blanco White stands out.
  • Theater: It is written in prose and the register is standard. It has a didactic purpose, its characters are normal, and it meets the three units.
    • Survival of the Baroque: Works of Calderón de la Barca are staged.
    • Tragedy: Phaedra highlights.
    • Comedy: Moratín stands out with his piece The Maidens.
    • Sainete: Don Ramón de la Cruz stands out.