19th Century Spanish Literature: From Romanticism to Realism

Posted on Sep 19, 2024 in Latin

Romantic Literature in Spain

Romantic Poetry

Freed from the rigid Neoclassical expression, Romantic poetry embraced new themes and stylistic developments, including:

  • Symbolic language
  • Melancholy
  • Impossible love

Lyric Poetry

Authors expressed subjectivism in two distinct stages:

  1. First half of the 19th century: Patriotic themes and social issues (e.g., José de Espronceda)
  2. Second half of the 19th century: More intimate poetry (e.g., Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer and Rosalía de Castro)

Narrative Poetry

Reached its peak in the first half of the 19th century. Poems varied in length:

  • Long: Historical poems, symbolic poems, medieval themes, philosophical poems
  • Short: Romances, legends

José de Espronceda

One of the most representative Romantic authors. His poetry encompasses a wide range of themes, including social protest, the loss of youth, and vital disappointment. His style is characterized by rich adjectives, frequent rhetorical questions, evocative language, and sensory descriptions. Notable works include “Song of the Pirate,” “The Devil World,” and “The Student of Salamanca.”

Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer

Influenced by earlier Romantic authors and introduced new frameworks and rhyme schemes in his “Rhymes” (Book of Sparrows). His poems often explore:

  • The nature of poetry and inspiration
  • The hopeful theme of love
  • Pain and anguish

Bécquer’s poetry is known for its simplicity and formal perfection, often employing short verses and heptasyllabic lines.

Rosalía de Castro

A Galician writer deeply connected to her homeland. While writing in Spanish during the first half of the 19th century, she also produced significant works in Galician, such as “Cantares Gallegos” and “Follas Novas.”

Romantic Prose

The 19th century saw the rise of journalism, leading to new forms of literature published in journals, including short stories, articles on customs, and political commentary. The historical novel, a product of Romantic frustration and the desire to revive the past, gained popularity. Costumbrismo, a genre detailing the speech and customs of the lower classes with humor and moralizing intent, emerged with various trends: costumbrismo puro, satirical, and political.

Mariano José de Larra

Founded several newspapers and actively participated in politics. His disillusionment with society and his own personal struggles led him to suicide. Larra’s articles, known for their sharp wit and social commentary, earned him a lasting reputation. His writings covered customs, politics, and literary criticism.

Romantic Theater

Romantic theater revitalized the theatrical atmosphere of the time. Key characteristics included:

  • Increased number of acts (from 3 to 5)
  • Mixing prose and verse
  • Blending tragic and comic elements
  • Development of stage scenery
  • Breaking the rule of three unities (time, place, action)

Common themes included love, fate, and revenge. Notable plays of the period are “Don Álvaro o la fuerza del sino” and adaptations of the Don Juan legend.

Realism in Spain

Realism, a cultural and artistic movement that emerged in 19th-century Europe, advocated for the accurate and objective representation of reality. Key characteristics included:

  • Analysis and observation
  • Focus on the contemporary social context
  • Objectivity
  • Social criticism

Naturalism

Influenced by scientific progress and positivism, Naturalism evolved from Realism. Naturalists believed that human beings are determined by heredity, social environment, and historical time, and therefore lack free will. Key features included:

  • Detailed analysis of reality
  • Exploration of the root causes of social problems
  • Integration of philosophical concepts

Characteristics of the Realist Novel

  • Verisimilitude (the appearance of being true or real)
  • Focus on real-life characters and social themes
  • Detailed descriptions of time and place
  • Use of contrast
  • Narration in the first and third person

Costumbrismo Novel

Considered a transitional genre between Romanticism and Realism, the Costumbrismo novel flourished in the second half of the 19th century. Key characteristics included:

  • Presentation of eccentric and colorful characters
  • Use of everyday language

Realist Fiction Authors

Juan Valera

Valera adopted an aesthetic stance, seeking beauty in his writing. However, his novels also reflect the society of his time. His realism is evident in the psychological analysis of his characters and the detailed descriptions of Andalusian customs. Notable novels include “Pepita Jiménez” and “Juanita la Larga.”

Benito Pérez Galdós

Galdós combined realist precepts with his own unique style. His novels often feature social criticism, political analysis, psychological portraits, and detailed descriptions of environments. His vast and expressive body of work provides a comprehensive picture of 19th-century Spain. Notable novels include the “National Episodes” series and “Fortunata y Jacinta,” a complex story of love, adultery, and social class in Madrid.

Leopoldo Alas “Clarín”

A law professor, biting critic, liberal, and anticlerical, Clarín wrote novels, short stories, and journalistic articles. His masterpiece, “La Regenta,” set in the stagnant society of 19th-century Spain, serves as a critique of the hypocrisy and corruption of the time. Ana Ozores, the beautiful and unhappily married wife of an aging regent, finds herself drawn to Don Álvaro, leading to scandal and social condemnation.

Modernism: Influences and Emergence

Modernism emerged in the late 19th century, drawing inspiration from French literary movements like Parnassianism and Symbolism. The Parnassians, led by Théophile Gautier, championed “art for art’s sake,” emphasizing formal perfection and beauty over moral or social concerns. Symbolists, influenced by Charles Baudelaire and Paul Verlaine, explored subjective experience, using symbols and imagery to evoke emotions and suggest hidden meanings.

Modernism in Latin America

Modernism flourished in Latin America as a reaction against the political, social, and artistic stagnation of the late 19th century. It represented a rebellion against established norms and a search for new forms of expression.

Characteristics of Literary Modernism

  • Constant linguistic innovation and experimentation
  • Themes of escapism, exoticism, and cosmopolitanism
  • Interest in the past and distant lands
  • Use of free verse, foreign words, and neologisms