Noucentisme and Catalan Literature: Carner and Riba
Josep Carner (1884-1970)
Josep Carner, a prominent figure in Catalan literature and politics, had a prolific writing career spanning several decades. His literary journey can be divided into four distinct stages:
1. Formative Stage (1896-1905)
This stage laid the groundwork for Carner’s later modernist poetry. He published four books of poetry and his first book of sonnets during this period.
2. Noucentista Stage (1906-1924)
This stage marked Carner’s consolidation as a poet. He published Els fruits saborosos (1906), which established him as a leading Noucentista poet. His works from this period exhibit characteristic 20th-century features, including irony.
3. Crisis and Symbolism (1925-1935)
This stage reflects the crisis of Noucentista aesthetics and Carner’s exploration of symbolism. El cor quiet (1925) is a representative work from this period, characterized by the humanization of poetry, focus on simple things, and contemplation of existence.
4. Metaphysical Stage (1936-1970)
Carner’s final stage delved into metaphysics, marked by deep reflection on humanity’s fate. Nabí (1941) is a notable work from this period. His narrative skills also led him to become a prominent translator, contributing to the magazine La Veu de Catalunya.
Carles Riba (1893-1959)
Carles Riba was another significant figure in 20th-century Catalan literature, renowned for his poetry, translations, and critical work. Born in Barcelona, he studied law and literature, developing a passion for literature and classical works from a young age. He worked as a librarian and teacher, contributing to various magazines, including the summer magazine Viatge.
Riba translated several classical authors, including Homer, and 19th and 20th-century poets and storytellers like Walter Scott. He also published two children’s books, including Les aventures de sis marrecs (1917) and Perot lo Lladre (1928).
Riba embodied the professionalization of culture and the standardization of intellectual work. In 1939, he went into exile in France, returning to Catalonia in 1943. Despite the repression of the Franco regime, he resumed his intellectual activities. He published Les Elegies de Bierville (1943) and died in Barcelona in 1959.
Riba’s Works:
1. Estances (1919)
This debut collection features introspective poetry related to Noucentisme, with a desire for objectification and formal perfection. Love is the predominant theme, alongside self-knowledge and reflection on the creative process.
2. El segon llibre d’estances (1930)
Riba’s poetry evolves towards a more personal style, approaching pure poetry.
3. Tres suites (1937)
This work represents the culmination of Riba’s poetic conception. It is a book of sonnets divided into three parts: “Un nu i els ulls,” “Lírica de Combrit,” and “L’espectador.” Each part begins with a similar situation: an object and an observer contemplating it.
4. Del joc i del foc (1946)
This collection includes two sets of short poems: “Les quatre estacions” and “Tanka i tanka de retorn.” The Tanka is a Japanese strophic form consisting of five verses, with the first and third having five syllables and the others seven.
5. Les Elegies de Bierville (1943)
This work, written during Riba’s exile, is considered the climax of his oeuvre. It consists of twelve pieces that follow the model of Greek and Latin elegies.
6. Salvatge cor (1952)
This book contains twenty-seven sonnets dominated by religious themes.
7. Esbós de tres oratoris (1957)
Riba’s final work consists of three poems inspired by evangelical poems.