Spanish Enlightenment Prose: Literary & Journalistic Forms
18th Century Spanish Prose: Thought and Criticism
The 18th century in Spain was a period of significant intellectual ferment, marked by new ways of thinking, reflection, and criticism. This era saw the rise of prominent figures who championed reason and experience in their works.
Key Figures and Their Contributions
- Father Benito Jerónimo Feijoo: Active in the first half of the century, this Benedictine monk utilized reason and experience as primary criteria for developing his views.
- Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos: A thoughtful man with a profound understanding of Spain’s afflictions, he was deeply concerned with finding solutions.
Representative Works of the Period
- Report on the Agrarian Law
- Memoir on Public Entertainment in Praise of Charles III
- Report on Public Education
18th Century Spanish Prose: The Epistolary Genre
The epistolary genre held a significant presence in 18th-century Spain. Letters served as a vital means to disseminate knowledge about people, customs, and activities.
Advantages of the Epistolary Method
According to José Cadalso, the epistolary method offered several advantages:
- Comfortable Reading: The structure of letters allowed for interrupted reading without losing the thread of thought.
- Authorial Freedom: Authors had the flexibility to distribute issues and topics freely.
Representative Epistolary Works
- Erudite Letters by Father Feijoo: This work offers a series of reflections on the pervasive atmosphere of superstition during his time.
- Moroccan Letters by José Cadalso: Considered the most significant work of the genre and a cornerstone of Spanish Enlightenment thought. It comprises 90 letters, preceded by an introduction, which claims inspiration from Montesquieu’s Persian Letters.
Features of Moroccan Letters
- Objective: Aims to be an analysis of Spain in Cadalso’s time.
- Themes: Varied topics responding to three major concerns of the author.
- Structure: Features three main characters—two young Moroccans traveling through Europe and an old Spanish teacher named Nuño—whose letters offer different viewpoints on contemporary Spain.
- Style: Cadalso employs clear and precise prose, reflecting a critical intellectual attitude towards the diverse subjects covered.
18th Century Spanish Prose: Journalism and Periodical Press
Origins of Journalism in Spain
While the periodical press truly developed in the 18th century, its origins can be traced much earlier:
- Early Forms: News sheets (pamphlets), annual almanacs (recalling important dates like conquests), and Gazettes (keeping the population informed weekly).
- Monthly Publications: Works like the Mercurio had a more literary and political tone.
Stages of Journalism Development
The 18th century marked the true development of the press in Spain, becoming one of the most important channels through which Enlightenment ideas penetrated the country. It evolved through three distinct stages:
- First Stage (Pre-1750): Considered an undeveloped press, but saw early publications such as the Diario de los Literatos de España.
- Second Stage (1750-1770): Francisco Mariano Nipho emerged as a fundamental figure, a journalist who, in 1770, founded the Diario General de España.
- Third Stage (Post-1770): Journalism in this period reached its stage of maturity.
Types of Publications
- Cultured Press: Included official newspapers like the Gaceta de Madrid and the Mercurio Histórico y Político, which disseminated political information.
- Popular Press: Developed by the bourgeoisie from the 17th century and throughout the 18th century, it included almanacs and forecasts.
Important 18th-Century Spanish Newspapers
- Gaceta de Madrid
- Diario Noticioso, Curioso, Erudito, Comercial y Político (commonly known as Diario de Madrid)
- Diario de los Literatos de España
- El Duende Crítico
- El Semanario Económico
- El Pensador
- El Censor (sometimes associated with the epithet ‘Ciego’)