Spanish Literary Currents: Modernism, Generation of ’98, and 20th Century Masters
Spanish Literary Modernism
Modernism is a significant literary movement originating in Latin America, often associated with Rubén Darío as a pioneering figure.
Characteristics of Modernism
- Aestheticism: A pursuit of beauty in all its forms, often idealized and detached from reality. Poetry serves the ideal.
- Escapism: Modernist poets often sought refuge in exotic settings or historical periods.
- Melancholy: A pervasive sense of sadness, often reflected in descriptions of autumnal landscapes and solitary gardens.
- Nostalgia: A strong preference for memories and a longing for the past.
The Generation of ’98 in Spanish Literature
The Generation of ’98 emerged from the Modernist literary movement but distinguished itself by focusing on Spain’s national problems.
Characteristics of the Generation of ’98
- Landscape Focus: Their works often portray the stark beauty of the Castilian landscape.
- Concern for Spain: A deep interest in Spain’s history and its contemporary period of crisis.
- Existential Concerns: Authors grappled with profound questions about the meaninglessness of life.
- Clear and Precise Style: Authors prioritized simplicity and clarity, avoiding excessive ornamentation in their works.
Principles of 20th Century Spanish Poetry
Twentieth-century poetry sought to redefine beauty, often introducing new vocabulary and employing sensory language. The abundant use of adjectives contributed to the musicality of poems. Innovation and musicality led to varied metrical forms, including the hendecasyllable (11 syllables), dodecasyllable (12 syllables), Alexandrine (14 syllables), and free verse. Sonnets often featured variant stanzas like the Silva or incorporated popular poetic forms such as traditional verse and assonant rhyme.
Antonio Machado: A Pivotal Poet
Antonio Machado was born in Seville in 1875. In 1902, he traveled to Paris, where he met Rubén Darío. Later, in Soria, he met Leonor Izquierdo. Her untimely death deeply affected him, leading him to move to Baeza (Jaén). His first significant work, Soledades, Galerías y Otros Poemas (1907), has an intimate tone, exploring themes of lost childhood, the passage of time, and love. This book is characterized by its rich use of symbolism. In 1912, he published Campos de Castilla, a work focusing on the people and landscapes of Castile, alongside reflections on Spain’s societal problems. Machado’s style in this period was sober and clear, often employing a Silva form adapted from traditional ballads.
Principles of 20th Century Spanish Prose
Twentieth-century novels often diverged from strict realism. They frequently adopted an impressionistic and subjective approach, characterized by concise descriptions.
Miguel de Unamuno: Philosopher and Novelist
Miguel de Unamuno excelled in novels, essays, and poetry. In his essays, Unamuno articulated his profound philosophical thoughts. He developed the concept of intrahistory, arguing that the lives of ordinary people form the true foundation of history. His essays often explored three fundamental themes:
- The fear of death.
- The need to believe in God.
- The rational certainty that God may not exist.
His essays reveal a dual nature: that of a writer seeking tranquility and that of a controversial intellectual:
- The Tragic Sense of Life: Life is presented as a tragedy due to the fear of death.
- The Agony of Christianity: Unamuno’s focus was internal, moving away from external realism. This work highlights the perpetual clash between reason and faith.
His notable novels include Niebla (1914) and San Manuel Bueno, mártir (1931).
Pío Baroja: Master of the Spanish Novel
Pío Baroja was born in San Sebastián and initially studied medicine, but he soon abandoned his medical career to dedicate himself to literature and journalism. He is considered one of the most important novelists of his era. Baroja wrote realistic novels, often short, which can be categorized by their focus on action (e.g., Zalacaín el aventurero) or their pessimistic philosophical reflections (e.g., El árbol de la ciencia). In his novels, Baroja depicted life as cruel and painful, emphasizing the constant conflict between thought and existence. His distinctive style aimed to create engaging and concise narratives through short paragraphs and fluid dialogues. Contemporary critics sometimes noted his stylistic ‘improprieties,’ attributing them to his dedication to crafting direct and entertaining stories.