Spanish Literature During and After Franco’s Regime
The Lyric in the Franco Era
After the Civil War, two types of poetry emerged:
- Embedded Poetry (Conservative): Writers like Leopoldo Panero and Luis Rosales aligned with the Franco regime.
- Uprooted Poetry: Expressed anxiety towards life, featuring works like 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 of poetry as a weapon for the future.
- José Hierro: Earth Without Us, Fifth of 42
Generation of the 50s
In the late 1950s, social poetry declined with the emergence of the Generation of ’50, including Claudio Rodríguez, Jaime Gil de Biedma, José Ángel Valente, and Ángel González.
Los Novísimos (1970s)
In 1970, Nueve novísimos poetas españoles was published, introducing an aesthetic poetry with cultural references. Poets include 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, giving rise to tremendismo. Another major work was Nada by Carmen Laforet.
Social Novel of the 1950s
This movement arrived with Cela’s The Hive. Features include an objective narrator, a collective protagonist, and detailed descriptions. Notable works 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, focusing on narrative techniques and language. Key works include Five Hours with Mario by Miguel Delibes, Oficio de tinieblas 5 by Camilo José Cela, and La Saga/Fuga de J.B. by Torrente Ballester. Other prominent authors include Juan Benet, Juan Goytisolo, and Juan Marsé.
Novel in Latin America
The Latin American Boom of the 1960s saw the rise of magical realism. Notable works include One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez, The Time of the Hero by Mario Vargas Llosa, The Tunnel by Ernesto Sabato, and Hopscotch by Julio Cortázar.
Theater in the Franco Era
Initially, comedic theater for the bourgeoisie prevailed. In the 1940s, a more intellectual humor emerged with works like Eloísa está debajo de un almendro by Enrique Jardiel Poncela and Three Hats by Miguel Mihura. The 1950s saw the rise of social drama reflecting the country’s problems, starting with Historia de una escalera by Antonio Buero Vallejo. The 1960s and 1970s brought experimental theater with a focus on spectacle, featuring independent groups like Fernando Arrabal, Els Joglars, and La Fura dels Baus.
Current Literature: Trends Since 1975
Literature from 1975 onwards focuses on regaining readership. The novel is the most cultivated genre, poetry explores familiar topics, and theater embraces experimental texts. Literature in Catalan, Galician, and Basque languages flourishes. Notable authors include Bernardo Atxaga (Basque), Manuel Rivas (Galician), and Terenci Moix (Catalan). In theater, Catalan groups like Els Joglars and La Fura dels Baus stand out.
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 Experimentation: Focus on the poem’s structure and language.
The Poetry of Experience
This movement emphasizes the author’s real or fictional experiences. Key authors include:
- Luis García Montero: His poetry reflects reality, with Habitaciones separadas being a notable work.
- Felipe Benítez Reyes: Works include Los vanos mundos and Sombra de la mala compañía.
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. Notable works include Winter in Lisbon by Antonio Muñoz Molina and the Pepe Carvalho series by Manuel Vázquez Montalbán.
- Historical Novel: Explores past events. Works include The Jester by Eduardo Mendoza and The Heretic by Miguel Delibes.
- Intimate Novel: Focuses on personal and emotional themes. Works include Malena Is a Tango Name by Almudena Grandes, The Polish Rider by Antonio Muñoz Molina, and Against Nature by Álvaro Pombo.
- Testimonial Novel: Addresses current issues. Works 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 Enchanted 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 Coronada y el toro.
- José Sanchis Sinisterra: Works include ¡Ay, Carmela!.
- José Luis Alonso de Santos: Works include Bajarse al moro and La estanquera de Vallecas.