Spanish Romantic Prose and Drama: Key Authors & Works
Spanish Romantic Prose and Drama (1835-1850)
The period between 1835 and 1850 was a short but intense period for narrative in Spain, giving rise to new genres.
The Historical Novel
Significant authors in this genre include Ramón López Soler (Castilla) and Francisco Navarro Villoslada (Doña Blanca of Castile).
Writing Habits of the Time
The development of journalism and a romantic interest in all things typical of a country heavily influenced writing habits.
The Legend
The legend was a widely cultivated genre due to its romantic nature. Examples can be found in the works of José Zorrilla (in verse) and Bécquer (in prose).
The Narrative Poem
Narrative poems blended lyrical and narrative elements, such as José de Espronceda’s Pelayo.
Romantic Drama: Characteristics
- Union of the tragic and comic
- Alternating high and plain style
- Themes of legendary players marked by a mysterious destiny
- Division of the play into 5 acts
- Many night and sepulchral scenes
- Plays intended to evoke strong emotions
Famous Playwrights
Notable playwrights include the Duke of Rivas (Don Álvaro, or the Force of Fate), José Zorrilla (Don Juan Tenorio), Antonio García Gutiérrez (The Troubadour), and Juan Eugenio Hartzenbusch, who gave his work The Lovers of Teruel dramatic force and solid structure.
Mariano José de Larra (1809-1837)
The son of a military doctor exiled to France, Larra had a neoclassical education. He lived in Spain, pursued journalism, fell in love with a married woman, and committed suicide. His notable articles include: “Come Back Tomorrow,” “The Old Castilian,” and “Marry Early and Wrong.”
José de Espronceda (1808-1842)
Born near Almendralejo, Espronceda was exiled to Lisbon for political reasons, where he met the great love of his life. His works include:
- An epic poem: Pelayo
- A historical novel: Sancho Saldaña or the Castilian of Cuéllar
- A historical drama: Blanca of Bourbon
- A book of poetry
- A long narrative poem: The Student of Salamanca
- A long philosophical poem: The Devil’s World
Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer (1836-1870)
The subjects of Bécquer’s verse are primarily poetry and love. Characteristics of his poetry include:
- Short and simple appearance
- Schematic structure
- Authenticity
- Subtlety and sentimentality
- Easy communication between sender and receiver
Bécquer influenced many poets, such as Juan Ramón Jiménez and Antonio Machado.
Rosalía de Castro (1837-1885)
Born in Santiago de Compostela and married to a historian, her books include: Cantares gallegos, On the Banks of the Sar, and Follas novas (New Leaves). Her poetry, along with Bécquer’s, represents the best of Spanish Romanticism.
Benito Pérez Galdós (1843-1920)
Galdós moved to Madrid to study, where he spent his life learning about Spanish society, which he then reflected in his novels.
The National Episodes
The National Episodes are 46 stories written between 1873 and 1912, divided into series, and include detailed and comprehensive historical information.
Novels
His novels can be divided into periods:
- First Period: Marianela, Doña Perfecta, Gloria, The Fountain of Gold
- Contemporary Novels: Galdós invents a fictional world portraying Spanish society of his time. His realism is enhanced by the creation of more complex characters. Examples include: The Gentle Friend, Torment, Miau, and Fortunata and Jacinta.
- Spiritual Novels: These deal with themes of love and Christian charity from an evangelical point of view. Examples include: Nazarin, Mercy, and Grandfather.