Spanish Literature: Early 20th Century Novels & Authors
**The Narrative in the First Spanish Half of the 20th Century**
In this beginning of the century, the men of the Generation of ’98 stood out, observed in these feelings like anxiety and existential obsession, especially over time and death, while concerns about the state of Spain.
The Issue of Spain
The independence of Cuba and the Philippines is the assertion that our country ceased to be a great power and caused the Generation of ’98 to wonder about the causes of decline and with it the power to regenerate the country. The reflections are common in many works, and in this sense, Castilla represents the core values of the Spanish soul. In reality, the issue is not new and was present in Cervantes, Quevedo, Larra… throughout this century and will become a constant: the Civil War, exile…
The Existential Concern
It reflects an undercurrent of existential result due to concerns of the authors who, invaded by distress, will lead them to consider religious problems. Declared atheist Baroja, Azorin, and Maeztu evolved from agnosticism to Catholicism. Unamuno lived a tragedy very close and fruitful literariness: the dislocation between reason and the need to trust, between God and nothingness.
**Pio Baroja: Work**
His literary production is incorporated by novels rated in the works:
- Before 1912, it is considered that in these years he wrote his best works: The Way of Perfection and The Tree of Science. They build archetypal etopeyas at this time. There are also works like Zalacain the Adventurer…
- After 1912: He wrote novels in different styles and themes, Memoirs of a Man of Action.
Baroja’s work can be grouped by themes:
- Basque Land: The House of Aizgorri, Zalacain the Adventurer…
- Fantastic…
- Life: Adventures, Paths of Perfection…
- The Dislocated by Life: The Search, Weed, and Red Dawn.
**Style**
He considered the novel as an open genre that admits large numbers of different techniques. One characteristic is the lack of action; they are novels of character changes. His style is precise, simple, and sober. The rough can be simplicity, the impressionistic description, and dialogue, as well as managing a bitter humor, abound with little subordination, short phrases, and conversational style. It should be stressed that their influence has been decisive in Camilo Jose Cela and Luis Martin Santos.
**The Novel or the Generation of ’14 (Noucentista)**
The beginning of the 20th century attends the birth of the Generation of ’14, who tried to renew the fictional and poetic techniques of his time: lyricism, irony, humor…
**Gabriel Miro**
An experimenter, his care is its expression, and his exquisite style is sometimes misunderstood. He excels in temperament, heightened sensitivity, and exceptional ability to capture feelings. Because of its lyricism, he is called the “great poet in prose.” His command of language is absolute, and formal beauty prevails. Our Father San Daniel and The Leper Bishop.
**Ramon Perez de Ayala**
Intellectual novels related to the technique of perspectivism that involves the bifurcation of reality. Dense, ironic style that reflects both the popular, as in The Fox’s Paw and Belarmino and Apolonio.
**Ramon Gomez de la Serna**
Author of eccentric character, creator of the gregueria, which contains a brief phrase or a metaphor, an unusual verbal pirouette: humor + metaphor = outcry. Examples: “Snakes are the ties of trees.”