Spanish Literary Movements: From Generation of ’98 to Proto-Romanticism
Generation of ’98: Characteristics and Evolution
Azorín, in the newspaper The Impartial, expressed a profound love for art, great sensitivity, and a desire for renewal. He published a list of 98 writers, including Unamuno, Baroja, Maeztu, Darío, Machado, and Blasco Ibáñez.
Shared Characteristics of the Generation of ’98
- Historical Context: The year 1898 is considered the ideological thread linking these authors, despite their diverse individual paths.
- Lack of Group Publications: This group did not have dedicated publications for collective works.
- Group Dynamics: Relationships within the group were characterized by respect rather than close camaraderie.
- Absence of a Leader: There was no single, recognized leader.
- Diverse Styles: Although they discussed general themes, their individual writing styles varied significantly.
Consequently, this generation has been one of the most debated in literary history.
Debate on the Generation’s Existence
- Some argue that the Generation of ’98 did not exist as a distinct entity, but rather as part of a broader Modernism movement.
- Others affirm its existence, citing the group’s unique characteristics. Tuñón de Lara, for instance, posited that while Modernism was the overarching group, the Generation of ’98 was a distinct subgroup of young individuals with differing ideas.
Stages of the Generation of ’98
- Youth (Late 1880s): Characterized by four authors (Maeztu, Azorín, Baroja, and Unamuno) who held radical sociopolitical ideologies, from spiritual socialism to anarchism.
- Group of the Three: Following the loss of Spain’s last American colonies, the nation was mired in passivity. The group appealed to Spanish youth through a letter, signed by all except Unamuno. Receiving no response, the group became demoralized and dispersed.
- Maturity: Driven by the perceived negligence and apathy of Spanish youth, the authors fought for non-material ideals, advocating for Spain’s renewal from their individual perspectives.
Style and Language
This innovative group sought literary development while respecting classical and romantic traditions. They aimed for conciseness, choosing fewer, more beautiful words to convey maximum meaning. Their desire for renewal led them to employ symbolic and subjectivist vocabulary, always striving for precise language.
Representative Works
- Maeztu: Towards Another Spain
- Azorín: Doña Inés, Confessions of a Little Philosopher
- Unamuno: Aunt Tula, Love and Pedagogy
- Baroja: The Tree of Knowledge, Trilogy of the Struggle for Life
Neoclassicism: Reason and Utility in Spanish Arts
With the arrival of the Bourbons to the Spanish throne, several important cultural organizations were established:
- The National Library
- The Royal Spanish Academy (RAE)
- The Royal Academy of History
- The Museo del Prado
This literary trend was primarily practical and utilitarian. It emerged in the 18th century, founded on the principles of reason and empirical experience as the basis for knowledge acquisition.
Triumphant Genres of Neoclassicism
- Essay: A genre where the author presents their ideas on a specific subject.
- Fray Benito Jerónimo: Erudite and Curious Letters
- Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos: Report on Land Law
- José Cadalso: Moroccan Letters
- Fable: A literary genre, typically written in verse, featuring personified animals that convey a moral lesson.
- Tomás de Iriarte
- Félix María de Samaniego
- Theater: Underwent significant changes influenced by Aristotelian poetics.
Key Characteristics:
- Rule of the three unities (action, time, place)
- Elimination of fantastic elements
- Separation of tragic and comic elements
- Preference for prose
- Didactic purpose (teaching in an entertaining manner)
Representative Author:
- Leandro Fernández de Moratín: The Maiden’s Consent, The Old Man and the Young Girl
Proto-Romanticism: Precursor to Romantic Ideals
Proto-Romanticism emerged as a reaction against Neoclassical literature, preceding the Romantic movement. It championed the exaltation of feelings and nature.
- Manuel José Quintana
- José María Blanco White
- Alberto Lista