Spanish Novel 1939-1975: Post-War to Renewal
The Spanish Novel: 1939-1975
From Post-War to Literary Renewal
The Early Post-War Years (1939-1949)
The Spanish Civil War’s end in 1939 brought a disastrous economic and social situation, compounded by post-World War II international isolation. The war caused a literary rupture, forcing many novelists (e.g., Ramón J. Sender, Max Aub, Francisco Ayala, Rosa Chacel) into exile. Those who remained wrote under strict censorship. Traditional narratives, like Ignacio Agustí’s Mariona Rebull (a story of
Read MoreGeneration of ’27: Spanish Literary Renaissance
Generation of ’27: A Literary Overview
I. Defining Characteristics
The Generation of ’27, a group of young Spanish writers, shared a common bond of friendship and literary and cultural interests. Their name pays homage to a tribute to Góngora in 1927. Key characteristics include:
- University Education: Close friendships formed during their university years, with early publications predating their official formation. They actively participated in the Residencia de Estudiantes’ cultural scene, conducted
Modernism: A Literary Revolution
Concept
Modernism, encompassing various European and American trends emerging in the late 19th century, shares common characteristics:
- Nonconformity
- Desire for renewal
- Opposition to realism and naturalism
Three main interpretations of Modernism exist:
- A literary movement between 1885 and 1915, defined by aestheticism and escapism.
- A literary era and attitude encompassing diverse manifestations, sometimes marked by aestheticism and escapism (Ricardo Gullón).
- A movement breaking with established aesthetics
Life and Works of Miguel de Cervantes
Miguel de Cervantes
Cervantes’ Life
Born in 1547 in Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), Miguel de Cervantes lived a challenging life. His father and grandfather were surgeons, and while Cervantes held official positions, they were not high-ranking. Despite his family’s modest circumstances, Cervantes received a solid intellectual foundation, even serving as a secretary to a cardinal.
In 1564, legal issues forced him to Italy, where he joined Cardinal Acquaviva’s entourage as a secretary. His Italian years
Read More15th-Century Spanish Literature: Pre-Renaissance & Popular Lyric Poetry
The Pre-Renaissance in 15th-Century Spain
Historical and Cultural Context
The 15th century, a period known as the pre-Renaissance, represents a transitional phase marked by political, social, and moral crises. Traditional medieval ideas coexisted with a new perspective on life that emerged during the Renaissance. The literary works of this era can be categorized into two parallel strands, each distinguished by its origin, audience, themes, and language:
- Traditional Folk Poetry: This includes traditional
Love in Miguel Hernández’ Poetry: An Analysis
Love in the Poetry of Miguel Hernández
As we have seen in the poems of this Orihuela writer, the poet’s work is strongly linked to his life stages. We can divide Miguel Hernández’s life into several periods, which allows us to distinguish various phases in his loving relationships and his conception of love. These developments are reflected in his poetry; the same symbol of love can mean different things at different stages of his life.
Early Love: Platonic Idealism and Religious Influence
Raised
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