Spanish Literature After the Civil War: From Franco to Present
Spanish Literature After the Civil War
The Lyric in the Franco Era
After the Civil War, two types of poetry emerged:
- Embedded Poetry (Conservative): Writers such as Leopoldo Panero and Luis Rosales aligned with the Franco regime.
- Uprooted Poetry: Expressed anxiety towards life. Notable works include Sons of Wrath (Dámaso Alonso) and Angel Fiercely Human, Roll of Consciousness (Blas de Otero). This evolved into social poetry in the 1950s.
The main precursor of social poetry was Miguel Hernández (Wind of the People, The Man Lurks). Other key figures include:
- Blas de Otero: I Ask for Peace and the Word That Comes to Spain
- Gabriel Celaya: Defended the idea that poetry was a weapon for the future.
- José Hierro: Earth Without Us, Fifth of 42
Generation of the 50s
In the late 1950s, social poetry declined as the Generation of ’50 emerged, featuring poets like Claudio Rodríguez, Jaime Gil de Biedma, José Ángel Valente, and Ángel González.
Los Novísimos (1970s)
In 1970, Castellet published Nueve Novísimos Poetas Españoles, introducing an aesthetic poetry with cultural references. Poets in this group included Guillermo Carnero, Félix de Azúa, Ana María Moix, and Pere Gimferrer.
The Novel in the Franco Era
Existentialist Novels (1940s)
This period began with the publication of The Family of Pascual Duarte by Camilo José Cela, which marked the emergence of “tremendismo.” Another significant work was Nada by Carmen Laforet.
Social Novel of the 1950s
This movement arrived with Cela’s The Hive. Characteristics include:
- Objective narrator
- Focus on a group of characters forming a collective protagonist
- Importance of descriptions
Notable novels include The Rats by Miguel Delibes, Between Curtains by Carmen Martín Gaite, and First Report of Miller.
Experimental Novel (1960s)
The publication of Tiempo de Silencio by Luis Martín-Santos marked the beginning of the experimental novel. Narrative techniques were renewed, and language gained importance. Key works and authors include:
- Five Hours with Mario by Miguel Delibes
- Oficio de Tinieblas 5 by Camilo José Cela
- La Saga/Fuga de J.B. by Torrente Ballester
- Juan Benet, Juan Goytisolo, and Juan Marsé
Novel in Latin America
The “Latin American Boom” of the 1960s saw the rise of writers who often employed magical realism. Notable works and authors include:
- One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez
- The Time of the Hero by Mario Vargas Llosa
- The Tunnel by Ernesto Sabato
- Hopscotch by Julio Cortázar
Theater in the Franco Era
Initially, a comedic theater for the bourgeoisie prevailed. In the 1940s, a more intellectual “humor” theater emerged, with works like Eloísa Está Debajo de un Almendro by Enrique Jardiel Poncela and Three Hats by Miguel Mihura.
In the 1950s, social drama reflecting the country’s problems emerged with the premiere of Historia de una Escalera by Antonio Buero Vallejo.
The 1960s and 1970s saw a period of experimentation, with greater emphasis on the spectacle. Independent groups like Els Joglars and La Fura dels Baus, and authors like Fernando Arrabal, gained prominence.
Current Literature: Trends Since 1975
Literature since 1975 has focused on regaining readership. The novel is the most cultivated genre. Poetry explores familiar topics. Theater embraces more experimental texts. Literature in Catalan, Galician, and Basque has also flourished.
Notable authors include:
- Narrative: Bernardo Atxaga (Basque), Manuel Rivas (Galician), and Terenci Moix (Catalan)
- Theater: Sergi Belbel, Els Joglars, and La Fura dels Baus (Catalan)
The Lyric Since 1975
General Characteristics:
- Everyday Themes: The poet connects with the reader on a personal level.
- Simple Language: Use of colloquialisms, neologisms, and foreign words.
- Dialogues and Monologues: Creates a theatrical effect.
- Formal Freedom: Attention to the poem’s form and language.
The Poetry of Experience
This movement emphasizes the poet’s real or fictional experiences. Important authors include:
- Luis García Montero: His poetry is rooted in reality. Habitaciones Separadas is a notable work.
- Felipe Benítez Reyes: Works include Los Mundos Abiertos and Sombra de Malas Compañías.
The Novel Since 1975
This period began with The Truth About the Savolta Case by Eduardo Mendoza.
General Characteristics:
- Detective Fiction: The plot revolves around a crime. Examples include Winter in Lisbon by Antonio Muñoz Molina and the Pepe Carvalho series by Manuel Vázquez Montalbán.
- Historical Novel: Deals with past events. Examples include The Jester and Plenilunio by Antonio Muñoz Molina, and The Heretic by Miguel Delibes.
- Intimate Novel: Focuses on personal and emotional themes. Examples include Malena Is a Tango Name by Almudena Grandes, The Polish Rider by Antonio Muñoz Molina, and works by Álvaro Pombo.
- Testimonial Novel: Addresses current issues. Examples include I’ll Treat You Like a Queen by Rosa Montero and Sefarad by Antonio Muñoz Molina.
Highly-Rated Novelists
Eduardo Mendoza revolutionized narrative with The Truth About the Savolta Case. Other works include The Mystery of the Haunted Crypt and The City of Marvels. Other important novelists include Antonio Muñoz Molina, Luis Landero, and Javier Marías (All Souls).
Drama Since 1975
Trends:
- Commercial Theater: Musicals and light comedies.
- Alternative Theater: Innovative texts in smaller venues.
Representative Authors:
- Francisco Nieva: Intellectual theater. Works include Pelo de Tormenta and El Baile de los Ardientes.
- José Sanchis Sinisterra: Works include ¡Ay, Carmela!
- José Luis Alonso de Santos: Works include Bajarse al Moro and La Estanquera de Vallecas.