Key Figures of Spanish Romanticism: Authors & Literary Legacy
José de Espronceda: A Romantic Poet (1808-1842)
In the poetry of José de Espronceda (1808-1842), one discovers all the hallmarks of Romantic poetry, characterized by its fluent metric resources. His life was fully integrated into the Romantic style. He famously eloped with Teresa Mancha, a married woman, leading a turbulent and scandalous love affair until she abandoned him. He died in Madrid at the age of 34.
His early works were inspired by Neoclassicism. He wrote poems for marginalized characters, such as the executioner and the prisoner of death. The pinnacle of his production is El Diablo Mundo, which includes the poignant Canto a Teresa. Romantic characters are accentuated in El Estudiante de Salamanca, a kind of satanic Don Juan figure destined for a tragic end.
Style and Versification
Espronceda mastered the art of versification, demonstrating a remarkable command of rhythm, verse, and stanza forms. His diverse metric combinations mark a significant chapter in the history of modern poetic development.
Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer: Spain’s First Modern Poet (1836-1870)
Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer (1836-1870) is widely considered the first modern poet of Spanish literature. He contracted tuberculosis and endured several unhappy love affairs before stabilizing his career as a journalist.
Major Works: Rimas and Leyendas
The entirety of his poetic production is grouped under the title Rimas (Rhymes). These short compositions can be read as the description of a loving process, evolving from initial happiness to profound anguish. The central themes addressed include poetic creation, the call of the muse, love, romantic disappointment, distress, and death. Bécquer also excelled in prose, as demonstrated by his Leyendas (Legends).
Bécquer’s Distinctive Style
What distinguishes Bécquer within 19th-century Romantic poetry is his remarkable ability to transcend the rhetorical, bombastic, and declarative style of earlier Romantics. He achieved a simple, emotional, inspiring, and intimate expression that deeply resonates with the reader.
Duke of Rivas: Ángel de Saavedra (1791-1865)
Ángel de Saavedra, the Duke of Rivas, was sentenced to death in 1823 following the restoration of absolutism by Ferdinand VII. He spent ten years in exile, after which he pursued a fruitful political career, maintaining his strong character.
José de Zorrilla: Master of Conservative Romanticism (1817-1893)
Romantic drama eventually emphasized its national historical character, reaching its culmination with José Zorrilla, the foremost exponent of conservative Romanticism. He gained recognition at a very young age.
Theatrical Technique
His theatrical technique rests on two fundamental pillars:
- Knowledge and perfect assimilation of classical Spanish Golden Age models.
- Extraordinary handling skills in versification, particularly traditional meters.
His most famous work is Don Juan Tenorio, a recreation of the seductive Don Juan myth originally coined by Tirso de Molina.
Mariano José de Larra: A Romantic Critic (1809-1837)
Mariano José de Larra (1809-1837), with his short, intense, and passionate life, is a quintessential example of a Romantic writer. Of French training, he often found himself in conflict with some of Spain’s more ingrained habits. His failed marriage led to an intense emotional reaction and ultimately, he decided to end his life.
Literary Contributions
Larra cultivated poetry, drama, and the novel, but he primarily established the model for the brief, critical article in the Spanish language. As a journalist, he wrote articles on literary and theatrical criticism, and commented on the political life of his time from a liberal perspective.
Larra’s Distinctive Style
His style is simple, clear, direct, expressive, and vivid. He always sought a refined language and precise wording. The true originality of his style lies in his irony, humorous dialogues, and extraordinary capacity for observing small details that reveal the characters’ true nature.
Article Structure
Regarding structure, his artículos de costumbres (articles of customs) are often presented in the first person: Larra himself acts as a protagonist or observer of events. Each article typically offers three parts:
- Presentation: The theme is announced, along with the author’s initial opinion.
- Development: A brief anecdote or narrative exemplifies the theme.
- Conclusion: Larra reflects on what has happened and presents a personal, often critical, viewpoint.