Generation of ’98: Spain’s Literary Renaissance

Generation of ’98

Introduction

The Generation of ’98, a pivotal movement in Spanish literature, emerged in response to the socio-political climate following the Spanish-American War. This group of writers, including Miguel de Unamuno, Ángel Ganivet, Pío Baroja, José Martínez Ruiz ‘Azorín’, Ramiro de Maeztu, Antonio Machado, and Ramón del Valle-Inclán, shared common concerns and a distinct literary style.

Defining Characteristics

Several factors unite the authors of the Generation of ’98:

  • Coetáneos: Born within a similar timeframe, these authors experienced the same historical events and intellectual currents.
  • Shared Intellectual Formation: Influenced by similar ideas and concerns, they grappled with the implications of Spain’s decline and sought regeneration.
  • Unifying Event: The disaster of ’98 served as a catalyst for their literary exploration of Spain’s national identity.
  • Distinct Style: Rejecting the ornate prose of the previous generation, they embraced clear and concise language, prioritizing clarity and directness.
  • Spiritual Leader: Miguel de Unamuno emerged as a guiding figure for the group.

Themes and Concerns

Motivated by Spain’s decline, the Generation of ’98 writers examined the nation’s consciousness, exploring its past, present, and future. Their unique approach involved traveling through Spain, documenting its landscapes, cities, and monuments to understand its essence. Key themes included:

  • Landscape: Castile, symbolizing Spain’s essence, became a focal point of their descriptions, reflecting their desire to see the nation with fresh eyes.
  • History: They focused on the history of everyday people, the “intrahistory” as Unamuno termed it, rather than the grand narratives of historical figures and battles.
  • Literature: Drawing inspiration from classical Spanish literature, they engaged with the works of writers like Cervantes, Góngora, and the anonymous author of Poema del Cid.

Evolution of Ideologies

The authors’ ideologies evolved over time, often shifting from early social and political commitments to a focus on literary expression. Azorín, for example, moved from anarchist leanings to conservative positions. Baroja maintained a rebellious stance, opposing various institutions. Unamuno’s early socialist affiliations eventually gave way to other philosophical pursuits.

Literary Contributions

Prose dominated the literary output of the Generation of ’98, with novels and essays being the most prominent forms. While Unamuno and Valle-Inclán also wrote poetry, their primary contributions were in other genres. Machado stood out as the generation’s principal poet. Baroja dedicated himself to the novel, becoming a key figure in the movement.

Key Figures

Miguel de Unamuno

Unamuno, the most representative figure of the Generation of ’98, explored existential themes such as the fear of death and the search for faith through various genres. His personal poetry reflected his religious concerns, love for Castile, and artistic sensibilities.

Azorín

Azorín’s early works critiqued contemporary Spain. In novels like Antonio Azorín or The Will, his protagonist grapples with existential questions and social misery. His later works, such as Confessions of a Little Philosopher, suggest a shift towards the belief that education and culture held the key to Spain’s reform.

Pío Baroja

Baroja’s novels, particularly The Search, the first of The Struggle for Life trilogy, depict the harsh realities of Spanish society. He denounced corruption, injustice, and selfishness, portraying the struggles of those fighting for survival.