Spanish Literature: Juan Ramon Jimenez, Unamuno, Baroja, Dario
Juan Ramon Jimenez (1881-1958)
Juan Ramon Jimenez’s poetic trajectory (Huelva, 1881 – Puerto Rico, 1958) exemplifies the evolution of Spanish poetry in the early 20th century. His early works, such as Arias Tristes and Jardines Lejanos, display formal simplicity and the sensitivity of Bécquer. In 1908, influenced by R.D., Soledad Sonora was published, featuring formally complex poetry and vague, melancholic sadness. From 1916 onwards, with Diario de un poeta recién casado, his work shifted, abandoning the modernist style for free verse and an enthusiastic tone, calling this fullness of poetry ‘naked’. In his later works, written in exile in Puerto Rico, he reflected deeply on death, eternity, and the nature of poetry. He is also the author of Platero y Yo (1914). He received the Nobel Prize in 1956.
Miguel de Unamuno (1864-1936)
Unamuno (Bilbao, 1864 – Salamanca, 1936) was a writer who significantly influenced the authors of his generation. Notable works include:
- En torno al casticismo: Proposed a renovation of Spain without abandoning tradition.
- Vida de Don Quijote y Sancho: Views the protagonist as an example of the Spanish mind.
- Por tierras de Portugal y España: Expresses the spiritual value of the Castilian landscape.
He addressed existential issues such as the meaning of life and the desire for immortality in The Tragic Sense of Life and The Agony of Christianity. He wrote poetry, plays, and novels (called ‘Nivolas’) known for their innovative character.
Pio Baroja (1872-1956)
Pio Baroja (San Sebastián, 1872 – Madrid, 1956) connected with his generation and was one of the most important novelists for a wide audience. He conceived the novel as an open genre, emphasizing reflection over action and employing a careless style.
His notable works include:
- Aizgorri, Casa de Aizgorri, and El Mayorazgo de Labraz: A trilogy set in the Basque Country.
- La lucha por la vida: A trilogy crudely reflecting the poor environment of Madrid.
His pessimistic worldview is reflected in the novels The Way of Perfection and The Tree of Science.
20th Century Literature
Modernism
Modernism began in Latin America in the late 19th century and ended around the First World War. Rubén Darío was its principal representative. Characteristics of Modernism include:
- Rebellion against bourgeois aesthetics, generating more cultivated poetry.
- Desire to escape, placing works in exotic places and ancient times.
- Intense erotic love.
- Alternation of melancholy with rebellion and vitality.
- New poetic language with rhythmic and sensory values, using anaphora, synesthesia, and abundant adjectives.
- Metric renewal: R. Darío resurrected forgotten verses of 9, 12, and 14 syllables.
Generation of ’98
Often cited members include Miguel de Unamuno, Antonio Machado, and Pío Baroja. It is difficult to set a clear boundary, but key features include:
- Concern for the problems of Spain and zeal for reform.
- Desire for openness towards Europe.
- Taste for traditional and popular lexicon.
- Restraint in the use of language and rejection of rhetoric.
- Subjective vision of reality in the description of the landscape.
Rubén Darío (1867-1916)
Rubén Darío (1867-1916) was one of the most celebrated and admired poets of his time. His evolution is evident in his three books of poems:
- Azul: A work full of youthful enthusiasm.
- Prosas Profanas: Corresponds to the splendor of Modernism and achieved great success.
- Cantos de Vida y Esperanza: Questions the meaning of existence and expresses disappointment.
His poetry was imitated in Spain by young poets of the time, including Salvador Rueda and Manuel Machado. Others received modernist influences in their earlier books but found maturity in their personal style, such as A. Machado.