Evolution of Spanish Narrative: From 1936 to Modern Era
Spanish Narrative Before 1936
Early 20th Century and the Generation of ’98
Following realistic and naturalistic models, the 20th century began with the Generation of ’98, renewing literature in response to the era’s crisis. Key themes included:
- Spain: Criticism of Spain’s situation and a search for its essence through landscapes, history (e.g., El Cid, Jorge Manrique, Cervantes), and literature.
- Existentialism: Philosophical reflections on life’s meaning, immortality, faith crises, and doubt.
The Generation of ’98’s style:
- Rejected excessive rhetoric.
- Sought simplicity and clarity.
- Maintained a careful style.
Authors like Antonio Machado (Campos de Castilla, 1912) and Ramón del Valle-Inclán (Esperpento, circa 1920), while not strictly part of the Generation of ’98, shared similar concerns about Spain.
Miguel de Unamuno
Unamuno’s themes included:
- Concern for Spain.
- Philosophical reflections on reason, faith, God, and humanity.
- Existential angst, life’s meaninglessness, and the desire for immortality.
Key novels:
- Niebla: Explores existential themes, apathy, the relationship between God and humanity, and blurs the lines between reality and fiction.
- San Manuel Bueno, Mártir: Addresses the loss of faith.
Pío Baroja
Baroja’s themes included:
- Protest against social injustice.
- Pessimistic tone.
Key works:
- The Tree of Knowledge
- Trilogies, such as The Struggle for Life.
Azorín
Azorín emphasized detailed descriptions. A key novel is The Will.
Ramón del Valle-Inclán
Valle-Inclán’s themes and styles evolved:
- Art Nouveau: The Sonatas.
- Transitional phase between modernism and the grotesque: Carlist War.
- The absurd: The Iberian Arena.
Novecentismo Narrative (Generation of ’14)
Around 1914, Novecentismo emerged, continuing to address contemporary issues but from an intellectual perspective. This movement emphasized formal innovation with new structures and styles.
Avant-Garde
The European Avant-Garde movement (circa 1910-1930) influenced Spanish narrative, particularly through Ramón Gómez de la Serna, known for his frequent use of greguerías and irrationalism. His novels, such as The Bullfighter Caracho, lacked clear plots and embraced humor.
These movements were interrupted by the Spanish Civil War, leading to a drastically different narrative landscape under Franco’s dictatorship.
Spanish Fiction After 1936
Franco’s rule ushered in a period of hardship, including political isolation. The post-war period (1939-1942) was marked by silence and emptiness in literature due to:
- The death of prominent authors (Unamuno, Valle-Inclán, Lorca).
- Exile of important writers (Cernuda, Alberti).
- Censorship (political and religious).
Stages of Post-War Narrative
1. The 1940s: Tremendous Realism
The 1940s saw diverse novelistic trends:
- Nationalist/Triumphalist novels supporting the new political order.
- Fantastic and humorous novels rejecting reality.
- Traditional realism, naturalism, and costumbrismo focusing on the declining bourgeoisie.
2. The 1950s: Social Realism
Realism dominated the 1950s, reflecting contemporary reality. Mid-decade saw the rise of committed literature addressing social injustice and inequality. Objectivism and behaviorism were common narrative techniques.
- Objectivism/Neorealism
- Critical realism
3. 1962-1975: Experimental Fiction
Cultural changes (tourism, exposure to Hispanic authors) and the exhaustion of testimonial literature led to thematic and formal renovation. Writers explored imagination, language, fictional structure, and narrative techniques, resulting in the experimental novel.
The Narrative Genre
Narrative literature tells imaginary or fictitious stories, drawing inspiration from real-world experiences. The narrator presents the imaginary world to the reader, encompassing characters, actions, time, and space. The narrative world, created through language, distinguishes it from the evident real world.
Narrative genres include short stories, novels, fables, and legends, all characterized by a narrator presenting events.