Romanticism and Realism in 19th Century Spain
Item 9. Romanticism and Realism
1. Romanticism
1.1. Cultural, Historical, and Social Context
Romanticism emerged during a time of significant social unrest, political upheaval, and transformation across all areas of life. The old regime was liquidated, and the French Revolution took place. Society was divided into classes, with the burgeoning bourgeoisie driving industrial development and the rise of capitalism. There was a significant demographic expansion, particularly in cities. Throughout the century, liberal ideas and parliamentary constitutional governments gained traction, leading to ongoing tensions between absolutists and liberals. This era also witnessed the rise of nationalism and patriotism, with a growing emphasis on defending linguistic, cultural, and historical identities. Movements such as Romanticism, Realism, and Naturalism emerged, leading to a social, artistic, and ideological revolution. The Enlightenment’s rationalism faced a crisis, with the emergence of Kant, Schelling and Hegel’s idealism, and Auguste Comte’s positivism. Extraordinary progress was made in physics, medicine, and biology.
1.2. Peculiarities of Spanish Romanticism
Spain experienced political tensions, economic stagnation, military uprisings, and a lack of technological advancements, leading to paralysis and a delay in the country’s development compared to the rest of Europe. This period was marked by cultural decline due to the exile of intellectuals and the power of censorship. The Carlist Wars ended with the Restoration period led by Alfonso XII. A renewal movement called Krausismo emerged, advocating for morality based on tolerance. Culturally, Spain continued to lag behind European developments.
1.3. Characteristics of Romanticism
Romanticism, which developed in the first half of the 19th century, was an aesthetic and ideological revolution. It originated in Germany and England, with young writers like Goethe gaining recognition for works like Werther and Faust. Romantics championed freedom as their core value. Key characteristics of Romanticism include:
- Individualism: Individuals asserted their own purposes, and artists saw themselves as intermediaries between art and others.
- Cult of Freedom: Individuals proclaimed their right to free speech and individual liberty against societal constraints.
- Rebellion and Contradictions: The pursuit of happiness inevitably clashed with reality, leading to a need for escape. Romantics often looked to the legendary past for inspiration.
- Nationalism: In contrast to the Enlightenment’s universalism, Romantics embraced political nationalism.
1.4. Romanticism in Spain
Romanticism arrived late in Spain, appearing in the 1830s. It was introduced by journalists who wrote about the new movement, fueled by the return of exiles after the death of Ferdinand VII and the premiere of the Duke of Rivas’ play, Don Alvaro, or the Force of Destiny.
1.5. Themes
- Focus on regional, historical, or national themes.
- Emphasis on feelings over reason.
- Exaltation of the self and devotion to freedom, with the artist as a hero.
- Exploration of social conflicts.
1.6. Style
Romantics sought to renew art by rejecting classical rules and embracing imagination. They mixed genres, tones, and styles. Other innovative elements included setting, fantasy, drama, and rhetorical style.
1.7. Theater
Theater was the most characteristic form of Romantic expression, originating in Germany. Martinez de la Rosa’s The Conspiracy of Venice, which premiered in 1834, is considered the first example of Spanish Romantic theater. Zorrilla’s Traitor, Unacknowledged and Martyr (1849) is considered the last work of the genre. Common themes included impossible love, fate, freedom, honor, and moral or political rebellion. The theatrical hero seeks happiness but is ultimately doomed. The heroine is typically sweet and innocent. Settings often included cemeteries, lonely and steep landscapes, dungeons, caves, and mountains. The aim was to evoke strong emotions in the audience. Romantic theater rejected established rules, mixing tragic and comic elements, prose and verse. Notable playwrights include the Duke of Rivas with Don Alvaro, or the Force of Destiny (1835) and Jose de Zorrilla with his most famous work, Don Juan Tenorio (1844).
1.8. Prose
Notable prose genres included the historical novel, the costumbrista essay (picture of manners), and the newspaper article. The historical novel often focused on the Middle Ages. Two trends emerged:
- Liberal Historical Novel: Explored Spanish history with a critical spirit, as seen in Larra’s The Young Man from the Ailing Enrique (1834).
- Modern Historical Novel: Celebrated traditional values, as exemplified by Gil y Carrasco’s The Lord of Bombibre.
The costumbrista essay emerged in connection with journalism. It offered a non-dramatic description of typical social realities, often focusing on contemporary issues and using popular and expressive language. This genre reached its peak in the 1840s with writers like Ramon Mesonero Romanos, Serafin Esteban Calderon, and others.
Mariano Jose de Larra used the press to advocate for modernization and became the first major Spanish journalist. He believed in the power of literature to promote progress and modernity, criticizing outdated customs. His writing focused on:
- Costumbrista Essays: Used social criticism, describing everyday events with a poignant and ironic tone, following in the footsteps of Quevedo.
- Political Criticism: Expressed his political views, and his later articles explored existential philosophy.
- Literary Criticism: Disseminated his theories on literature and defended the idea that writers should take a committed stance.
Larra’s prose was straightforward, clear, direct, and ironic. His style was rich in puns, double meanings, and paradoxes, using language to serve a clear critical intention.