Spanish Literary Movements: Realism, Modernism, and Generations
Realism
Realism, emerging in the second half of the 19th century, reflects everyday life and social realities. It objectively and plausibly depicts truth in all aspects, particularly in late 19th-century Spain.
Lyrical Poetry
Ramón de Campoamor, known for his anti-romanticism, explored themes of dolor (pain) and humor (mood).
Theater
Theater flourished with José Echegaray, who developed the ‘high comedy’ or ‘comedia alta’.
Narrative
The Spanish literary realist tradition, influenced by European realism, produced novels that reflected the authors’ views. Key figures include:
- Juan Valera: Focused on the psychology and emotions of characters (e.g., Pepita Jiménez).
- Emilia Pardo Bazán: Notable works include Los Pazos de Ulloa and La Madre Naturaleza.
- Benito Pérez Galdós: Considered the pinnacle of Spanish Realism and its best novelist. His Episodios Nacionales critically addressed intolerance and fanaticism, while his Novelas Contemporáneas described contemporary society and social classes.
- Leopoldo Alas “Clarín”: His masterpiece, La Regenta (often translated as The Judge’s Wife), emphasized character psychology and provided a detailed description of the fictional city of Vetusta.
Naturalism
Naturalism, an extension of Realism, was influenced by Émile Zola. It applied experimental sciences to meticulously document reality, often depicting sordid atmospheres and characters shaped by heredity. Naturalist works reported societal shortcomings and injustices with critical intent. A notable polemic arose with Emilia Pardo Bazán regarding ‘La Cuestión Palpitante’ (The Throbbing Question). It is often difficult to distinguish between Realism and Naturalism, with authors like Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, Benito Pérez Galdós, Clarín, and Emilia Pardo Bazán showing naturalist influences.
Modernism (Early 20th Century)
Modernism, emerging in the early 20th century, saw the rise of aesthetic movements like Parnassianism and Symbolism. It implied a rejection of social and moral norms, often embracing provocation. Key characteristics include:
- Diversity of influences.
- Themes of rejection and rootlessness from the present.
- Existential concerns.
- Renovation of poetic language, metrics, stylistic devices, and phonetics.
- Varied vocabulary.
Main genres were lyrical poetry and poetic prose.
Antonio Machado
Antonio Machado’s lyrical poetry (e.g., Soledades) conveyed lyrical intimacy and feelings through symbols. He was a poet of romantic influence, often exploring themes of time, with an accessible style and varied metrics.
Ramón del Valle-Inclán
Ramón del Valle-Inclán’s early theater (e.g., Sonatas) evolved into the grotesque ‘esperpento’ of Modernism. In poetry, he explored grotesque and modernist aesthetics.
Juan Ramón Jiménez
Juan Ramón Jiménez, a link between Modernism, the Generation of ’98, and the Generation of ’27, sought beauty, eternity, and knowledge. His ‘poetry of intelligence’ reflected an yearning for perfection, an aesthetic revolution, and a new poetic language. He employed intimacy, simplicity, musicality, and a melancholic tone.
Rubén Darío
Rubén Darío, a key figure in American Modernism, produced brilliant poetry. His works like Azul… (American Modernism) and Prosas Profanas (Parnassianism influence) showcased a renovation of poetic elements through language, metrics, sensuality, and vitality.
Generation of ’98
The Generation of ’98 emerged from discontent with the Restoration era and the evolution of a radically conservative society. Key themes included Spain, society, and existential concerns. They favored a simple aesthetic. Main genres were essays and novels.
Theater of this period was often commercial, featuring bourgeois comedies (e.g., Jacinto Benavente’s Los intereses creados). There was also poetic theater, comical and manners theater, and innovative avant-garde theater.
Ramón del Valle-Inclán
Ramón del Valle-Inclán, a maverick, rejected aesthetic and social norms. His works include Luces de Bohemia and Tirano Banderas.
Antonio Machado
Antonio Machado’s lyrical poetry, exemplified by Campos de Castilla, featured reflective poems.
Pío Baroja
Pío Baroja’s novels presented a pessimistic reality. He employed a simple, anti-rhetorical style. His trilogies include La lucha por la vida (The Struggle for Life), Tierra Vasca (Basque Country), and La raza (The Race), which includes El árbol de la ciencia.
Miguel de Unamuno
Miguel de Unamuno’s lyrical themes included landscape and existential concerns. His style was intense and passionate. His ‘nivola’ Niebla (Mist) explored the tragic sense of life.
Azorín (José Martínez Ruiz)
Azorín (José Martínez Ruiz) contributed to theater (e.g., La España Vieja), novels (e.g., La Voluntad), and essays (e.g., Castilla).
Novecentismo (Generation of ’14)
Novecentismo, or the Generation of ’14, emphasized intellectualism and Europeanism, preferring urban culture. It was characterized by aestheticism and a strong concern for form.
José Ortega y Gasset
José Ortega y Gasset’s essays include La deshumanización del arte (The Dehumanization of Art).
Juan Ramón Jiménez
Juan Ramón Jiménez’s poetry evolved through stages: early works like Jardines lejanos (Distant Gardens) and later works like Diario de un poeta recién casado (Diary of a Newlywed Poet).
Generation of ’27
The Generation of ’27 was characterized by its members’ similar ages, liberal friendships, and a shared admiration for Góngora, aiming to modernize poetry. They were influenced by Juan Ramón Jiménez and Ortega y Gasset, emphasizing language and style, viewing poetry as self-manifestation. Their work blended classical and modern, traditional and innovative, and popular and cultured elements. The movement is often divided into three stages.
Key Authors and Works:
- Pedro Salinas: La voz a ti debida
- Jorge Guillén: Cántico, Clamor
- Gerardo Diego: Versos humanos
- Federico García Lorca
- Rafael Alberti: Poetry (Marinero en tierra), Prose (La arboleda perdida), Theater (El hombre deshabitado)
- Luis Cernuda: Poetry (Los placeres prohibidos)
- Vicente Aleixandre: Poetry (La destrucción o el amor)
- Miguel Hernández: Poetry (El rayo que no cesa)
- Dámaso Alonso: Hijos de la ira