Generation of ’27: A Deep Dive into Spanish Poetry

Posted on Sep 27, 2024 in Latin

Generation of ’27: The Silver Age of Spanish Poetry

The Generation of ’27 refers to a group of Spanish poets who gained prominence in the 1920s and 1930s, often called the Silver Age of Spanish literature. This period saw a flourishing of literary talent, particularly in poetry. The name originates from a tribute held in 1927 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the death of Baroque poet Luis de Góngora, a significant influence on the group.

Defining Characteristics

While diverse in their individual styles, the poets of the Generation of ’27 shared common characteristics:

  • Similar Age and Background: They were born within a few years of each other and possessed a strong literary education and family support, enabling them to dedicate themselves to poetry.
  • Liberal Attitudes: They held liberal political views and largely supported the Republic during the Spanish Civil War.
  • Shared Intellectual Circles: They fostered close friendships and intellectual exchange, particularly at the Residencia de Estudiantes (Student Residence) and the Institución Libre de Enseñanza (Free Institution of Education).
  • Cultural Engagement: They actively participated in cultural events, including the aforementioned Góngora tribute in Seville in 1927, and collaborated on literary journals.
  • Shared Influences: They admired poets like Juan Ramón Jiménez and José Ortega y Gasset, and sought to modernize Spanish poetry. They valued aesthetic beauty and incorporated elements of both classicism and modernism.

Synthesis of Tradition and Innovation

The Generation of ’27 uniquely blended tradition and innovation. They drew inspiration from:

  • Traditional Literature: They valued both the cultured and popular traditions of Spanish literature, particularly the works of Góngora, the ballads of the Cancionero, and the plays of Lope de Vega and Gil Vicente.
  • Contemporary Influences: They were influenced by poets like Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, Rubén Darío, and especially Juan Ramón Jiménez.
  • Avant-Garde Movements: They embraced the originality and experimentation of the avant-garde, incorporating elements of surrealism and playful wit.

Evolution of the Generation

The trajectory of the Generation of ’27 can be divided into three phases, largely shaped by historical events:

  • Initial Stage (until 1927): This period was marked by the influence of Juan Ramón Jiménez’s concept of “pure poetry,” which emphasized the poetic potential of any object. Avant-garde influences were also present, resulting in a somewhat dehumanized artistic approach. A renewed interest in popular poetry also emerged.
  • Second Stage (1928-Civil War): Surrealism gained prominence, leading to a rehumanization of poetry. Themes of anguish, rebellion, and social concerns became more prevalent.
  • Third Stage (Post-Civil War): The Spanish Civil War and the assassination of Federico García Lorca in 1936 profoundly impacted the group. Many poets, including Pedro Salinas, Jorge Guillén, Luis Cernuda, and Rafael Alberti, went into exile, exploring themes of displacement and loss. Those who remained in Spain, such as Dámaso Alonso, Vicente Aleixandre, and Gerardo Diego, became influential figures in post-war poetry. Existential angst, social issues, and ethical concerns became central themes.

Key Authors and Contributions

The Generation of ’27 boasted a remarkable array of talented poets, each with a unique voice. Some of the most prominent figures include:

Pedro Salinas (1891-1951)

Salinas’s intellectual poetry often took the form of a dialogue, seeking to reveal the essence of things. His style was characterized by its anti-rhetorical simplicity. His work can be divided into three periods:

  • Avant-garde influence (Presagios, Seguro azar, and Fábula y signo)
  • Exploration of love (La voz a ti debida, Razón de amor, and Largo lamento)
  • Works written in exile

Jorge Guillén (1893-1984)

Guillén’s work also reflects three distinct stages:

  • Cántico (1928-1950): This collection showcases dehumanized and intellectual poetry in the style of Juan Ramón Jiménez, expressing a vital and optimistic outlook. His style is characterized by abstract nouns and a blend of intellectual and classical language.
  • Clamor: This period marks a shift towards protest against chaos and destruction.
  • Homenaje: In this later phase, the pessimistic tone softens, and themes of friendship and generational camaraderie emerge. Cántico, Clamor, and Homenaje were later published together as Aire nuestro.

Gerardo Diego (1896-1987)

Diego’s diverse output included both avant-garde and traditional works. He explored personal themes, religious subjects, and avant-garde experimentation. His notable works include Manual de espumas (creationism), Imagen (traditional), and Fábula de Equis y Zeda (a blend of traditional and creationist styles).

Legacy

The Generation of ’27 left an indelible mark on Spanish poetry. They successfully modernized poetic language, embraced innovation while respecting tradition, and explored a wide range of themes with depth and artistry. Their influence continues to resonate in contemporary Spanish literature.