Antonio Machado’s Works and the Generation of ’14
Work of Antonio Machado
Antonio Machado was one of the leading Spanish poets of the 20th century. His fundamental work is poetry. He became a symbol upon his death during the Spanish Civil War.
Key Works:
- Solitudes, Galleries, and Other Poems: Initially published in 1902 as “Soledades”, it was expanded and renamed in 1907. The final, enlarged edition appeared in 1917. This work belongs to Machado’s modernist phase, influenced by Verlaine. It features decadent themes. Key themes include loneliness, time (Machado believed poetry was “the word in time”), and the soul, depicted as full of galleries.
- Campos de Castilla (Fields of Castile): Published in 1912, with an expanded edition in 1917. Written during his time in Soria, it includes poems reflecting on the Andalusian countryside, the death of his wife Leonor, and descriptions of Soria. It portrays the Castilian landscape and people, often reflecting a sense of decline.
- Nuevas Canciones (New Songs): Published in 1924, with an expanded edition in 1930. This is a diverse collection of poems dedicated to Soria, Andalusia, and Leonor. It includes “Cantares” and “Proverbios” (Proverbs), as well as sonnets and tributes to his contemporaries. It shows a strong influence of folklore and songs.
The Generation of ’14
The Generation of ’14 was a group of writers who emerged around 1910. They were influenced by the Free Institution of Education and the authors of the Generation of ’98, but also by the atmosphere of cultural and artistic innovation brought about by the avant-garde movements. They are known for their intellectualism and the triumph of the essay as a literary form.
Key Characteristics:
- They were more moderate and less pessimistic than the Generation of ’98.
- They believed that the solution to Spain’s problems lay in Europeanization.
- They were influenced by 20th-century European culture.
Notable Authors and Genres:
- Narrative:
- Ramón Pérez de Ayala: Characterized by intellectual literature.
- Gabriel Miró: Known for lyrical novels, rich in descriptions and feelings.
- Poetry:
- León Felipe: Some literary critics include him in the Generation of ’14. He wrote very free and sincere poetry.
- Essay:
- Eugenio d’Ors: He became one of the supporters of Franco.
- José Ortega y Gasset: A major philosopher and writer.
José Ortega y Gasset
José Ortega y Gasset (1883-1955) was a prominent Madrid-born philosopher and writer. He was a professor of philosophy at the University of Madrid and, along with Unamuno, one of Spain’s great intellectuals.
Key Aspects of his Life and Work:
- Initially supported the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera, but later became a proponent of the Republic.
- Went into exile during the Spanish Civil War, returning discreetly to Madrid until his death in 1955.
- He was an important philosopher in Spain and Europe.
- He disseminated major philosophical theories in Europe.
- He was a great theoretician of avant-garde art. His book, *The Dehumanization of Art*, is fundamental to understanding 20th-century art and literature.
- He promoted new artistic and literary trends through the *Revista de Occidente* (Western Magazine).