20th-Century Spanish Literature: From Novecentismo to the Generation of ’27

Posted on Sep 29, 2024 in Latin

20th-Century Spanish Literature

Novecentismo (Early 20th Century)

A group of intellectuals emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by their deep, rigorous thought and literary creations. Unlike the Generation of ’98, they addressed Spain’s problems with more serenity. They favored universal themes, elaborate works, and formal neatness. Art was sometimes seen as pure play, separate from life. The novel and essay were the most cultivated genres.

Ramón Pérez de Ayala

His work is divided into two periods:

  1. Early Period: Autobiographical works like Tinieblas en las cumbres, La pata de la raposa, and Troteras y danzaderas, reflecting a pessimistic tone and critical view of Spain.
  2. Later Period: Works like Belarmino y Apolonio explore symbolism and intellectual themes. Novels like Luna de miel, galante luna, or A.M.D.G. delve into love and sexuality. Tigre Juan and its sequel El curandero de su honra examine honor and infidelity. Ayala introduced innovative narrative techniques and elegant language.

José Ortega y Gasset

A prominent philosopher and essayist, Ortega y Gasset founded the magazine Revista de Occidente. His unique, brilliant, and metaphorical style is evident in works like:

  • The Revolt of the Masses: Argues that society should be governed by an elite.
  • The Spectator: Essays on various topics.
  • The Dehumanization of Art: Defends art’s intrinsic value and aesthetic pleasure.
  • Ideas about the Novel: Reflections on the novel as a literary genre.

Eugenio d’Ors

A renowned art critic, known for Tres horas en el Museo del Prado.

Other Novecentismo Figures

  • Gabriel Miró: Años y leguas, El obispo leproso
  • Ramón Gómez de la Serna
  • Wenceslao Fernández Flórez: Volvoreta, El bosque animado
  • Concha Espina: El metal de los muertos
  • Essayists: Manuel Azaña, Américo Castro, Salvador de Madariaga, Claudio Sánchez Albornoz, Gregorio Marañón

The Avant-Garde and Surrealism

Various avant-garde movements emerged, promoting aesthetic revolution. Surrealism, originating in France, gained prominence in literature, cinema, and painting. It sought to liberate man, explore beyond reality and logic, and express repressed impulses.

Gerardo Diego

Diego blended tradition and avant-garde, particularly Creationism, in his poetry.

  • Avant-Garde Poetry: Imagen, Manual de espumas
  • Traditional Poetry: Romances de la novia

Generation of ’27

In 1927, a group of authors, mostly university professors, commemorated the tercentenary of Góngora’s death. Admiring his poetic language, they became known as the Generation of ’27. They combined elaborate language, pure poetry, intellectualism, and a pursuit of beauty with traditional lyricism, using metaphors and other literary devices. They were influenced by classical poets like Bécquer and Juan Ramón Jiménez.

Luis Cernuda

Cernuda’s poetry explores the struggle between reality and desire, often expressing love and sadness.

  • Égloga, elegía, oda: Imitates Garcilaso
  • Los placeres prohibidos: Surrealist influence
  • Donde habite el olvido: Intimate pain
  • Desolación de la quimera: Reflections on exile
  • La realidad y el deseo: Collected works

Pedro Salinas

Salinas, the poet of love, captured love’s experience in sober, reflective poetry with elaborate language.

  • Presagios, Seguro azar, Fábula y siglo: Early works
  • La voz a ti debida, Razón de amor: Love poems
  • Todo más claro: Later work

Jorge Guillén

Guillén, the poet of joy, epitomized pure poetry.

  • Cántico: Vibrant poems
  • Clamor: Negative and elegiac moments
  • Homenaje

Vicente Aleixandre

Aleixandre’s work includes surrealist and conversational phases.

  • Surrealist Phase: La destrucción o el amor (nature, love, and death), Sombra del paraíso
  • Later Stage: Historia del corazón (accessible language, optimistic view of love)
  • Poemas de la consumación, Diálogos del conocimiento: Reflexive, conceptual poetry

Dámaso Alonso

Alonso’s poetry is highly valued.

  • Poemas puros: Poemillas de la ciudad: Simplicity and lyrical emotion
  • Hijos de la ira: Uprooted poetry, severe language
  • Hombre y Dios: Expresses anguish