Exploring Literary Movements: Realism, Naturalism, and Romanticism
Realism in 19th Century Europe
During the mid-19th century, scientific advancements in Europe led to significant changes and conflicts within individuals and society. The bourgeoisie gained prominence, attaining economic and social power through innovative philosophical, cultural, and artistic trends that introduced a new concept of life and humanity.
Realism emerged from positivist thought, which only accepted the results of observation and experimentation as true. Realism primarily aimed to reflect external reality as it is, becoming the leading literary narrative genre. Writers focused on the immediate and familiar realities of politics and work, striving for objective and faithful storytelling using colloquial language. Impartiality was emphasized through an omniscient third-person narrator, although personal comments often attempted to influence the reader’s opinion.
Notable Authors of Realism:
- Juan Valera
- Fernán Caballero
- Leopoldo Alas (Clarín)
Naturalism: A Subset of Realism
Naturalism was built upon two philosophical pillars: materialism, which denied the existence of a supreme being, and determinism, which explained social problems through physical laws. The naturalist environment was often depicted as miserable, with characters portrayed as alcoholics shaped by society or their family environment. The writer became a judge, ruling on the causes and problems of society, where man was seen as pure matter without freedom. Naturalistic language tended to be natural and vulgar.
In Spain, naturalism did not reach the same level of popularity, possibly due to the influence of Catholicism. However, notable contributions to Spanish literature came from Clarín, Blasco Ibáñez, and Emilia Pardo Bazán.
Romanticism: A Countermovement
Romanticism, a cultural movement originating in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain in the late 18th century, emerged as a revolutionary reaction against the rationalism of the Enlightenment and Neoclassicism. It prioritized feelings and emotions, becoming the first cultural movement to encompass the entire European landscape. Its peak occurred between 1800 and 1850.
The fundamental characteristic of Romanticism was its break from the classical tradition based on a set of stereotypical rules. The pursuit of authentic freedom was its constant goal, making its revolutionary nature undeniable. As Romanticism represented a way of feeling and conceiving nature, life, and the human being, it manifested differently in each country where it developed. Even within the same nation, distinct trends emerged, influencing all forms of art.
Romanticism reacted against the rational and critical spirit of the Enlightenment and Classicism, favoring:
- The awareness of the self as an autonomous entity, endowed with variable and individual capacities such as fantasy and feeling, in contrast to the universality of 18th-century reason.
- The primacy of the creative genius who creates their own universe, with the poet seen as a demiurge.
Prominent Romantic Writers:
- Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer
- Edgar Allan Poe