Spanish Literature from Baroque to Romanticism
17th Century: The Baroque Period
Society and Culture
A time of acute crisis, the 17th century witnessed the consolidation of absolute monarchy alongside a rising bourgeoisie (particularly in England and Spain). Spain experienced a century of decline, marked by social inequality. This era grappled with complex issues: a world perceived as chaotic, the pervasiveness of death, and the ephemeral nature of life, often likened to a dream. These anxieties fueled a sense of disappointment and pessimism, shaping the aesthetics of Baroque art, architecture, sculpture, painting, and literature.
Literature
Baroque literature, particularly in Spain, saw the rise of culteranismo, a complex and ornate literary style. Spanish poetry enjoyed widespread popularity, although themes became somewhat depleted by the end of the century.
Key Figures in Spanish Literature
- Luis de Góngora (1561-1627): Known for his romances, including the Fable of Pyramus and Thisbe, and his association with culteranismo.
- Lope de Vega (1562-1635): A central figure of the Spanish Golden Age, Lope de Vega significantly shaped Baroque theatre and is credited with establishing the comedia nueva.
- Francisco de Quevedo (1580-1645): Master of Baroque conceits and known for works like the History of the Life of the Buscón.
18th Century: Enlightenment and Neoclassicism
Social and Economic Transformations
The 18th century was a period of population growth and the nascent Industrial Revolution, marking a transition from an agrarian economy to one increasingly influenced by manufacturing and mechanization. Enlightened despotism, with its focus on governing “for the people, but without the people,” also characterized this era. The French Revolution significantly impacted European societies.
Cultural and Literary Trends
The 18th century saw the rise of Neoclassicism, an aesthetic movement reflecting the intellectual principles of the Enlightenment. Preromanticism emerged as a reaction against Neoclassicism in the latter part of the century. The novel, while popular, saw a decline in favor of the sentimental novel, reflecting the social conflicts between the rising bourgeoisie and the proletariat.
Literary Developments
- The Essay: This genre flourished, offering interpretations of political and social themes. Key figures include Benito Jerónimo Feijoo (1676-1764), Ignacio de Luzán (1702-1754), José Cadalso (1741-1782), and Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos (1744-1811).
- Poetry: From 1770 to 1790, Spanish poetry reflected Enlightenment concerns, including social criticism and moral philosophy. José Cadalso and Juan Meléndez Valdés are notable poets of this period.
- Pre-Romantic Poetry: Emerging in the late 18th century, this style emphasized intimate feelings and themes of loneliness, failure, and love.
- Theatre: The illustrated theatre aimed to reform societal customs by adhering to classical precepts. Ramón de la Cruz (1731-1794) is known for his farces satirizing contemporary customs. Neoclassical comedy, influenced by French theatre, was introduced by Nicolás Fernández de Moratín and his son Leandro Fernández de Moratín (1760-1828).
19th Century: Romanticism and Beyond
The 19th century ushered in Romanticism, characterized by individualism, irrationalism, idealism, nationalism, exoticism, and a rebellious spirit. Preromanticism, with its focus on philosophical and religious individualism, also influenced the early part of the century. Later, Realism and Naturalism emerged, emphasizing scientific observation, verisimilitude, and complex characters.