The Mester de Clerecía in 13th & 14th Century Spanish Literature
The Mester de Clerecía in the 13th Century
Overview
The concept of the Mester de Clerecía better fits the works of this genre from the 13th to the 14th centuries, which differ significantly from earlier models in both form and ideology.
Key Works of the 13th Century
- Libro de Alexandre: An anonymous narrative, potentially attributed to Gonzalo de Berceo, about the life of Alexander the Great. This extensive work blends scholarly elements with literary references and aims to demonstrate God’s control
Blas de Otero: Life and Poetic Evolution
Childhood in Bilbao and Madrid (1916-1933)
Blas de Otero was born on March 15, 1916, in Bilbao. At the age of seven, he enrolled at the Colegio de María de Maeztu, a preparatory high school. His home was a refuge, a peaceful and mythologized microcosm inhabited by himself, his parents, his brother, and his governess, Mademoiselle Isabel. In contrast, school represented a repressive environment for the young Otero.
Three years later, the family faced financial ruin and relocated to Madrid. In the
Read More20th-Century Spanish Literature: Poetry and Theater
The Poetry of War
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) plunged Spain into a period of profound economic and cultural crisis. The problems the country faced created a literary vacuum that contributed to several factors:
- The deaths of representative poets of previous generations.
- Censorship and repression of the Franco regime.
- Exile of poets such as Juan Ramón Jiménez and a large part of the Generation of ’27.
One of the poets who exerted greater influence in the post-war lyric was Miguel Hernández. Although
Read MorePost-Civil War Literature in Spain
Damaso Alonso (1898-1990)
Damaso Alonso, a poet, professor, and critic from Madrid, is often associated with the Generation of ’27. His work, particularly Children of Wrath, is a cornerstone of existential literature. This powerful poem, which opens with a cry against moral misery and injustice, reflects Alonso’s exploration of the human condition and what he termed “the double anxiety.”
Other notable works, such as Dark Essential News and Man and God, continue this thematic thread. Children of Wrath
Read MoreGeneration of ’27: A Deep Dive into Spanish Poetry
Generation of ’27
Tradition and Avant-Garde
While exploring new avenues in poetry, the Generation of ’27 maintained a deep respect for Spanish literary traditions. They admired the poetic language of Luis de Góngora, drew inspiration from classic Spanish literature, and appreciated popular forms like ballads. Simultaneously, they were influenced by avant-garde movements, particularly Surrealism. Surrealist writers delved into the unconscious mind, seeking to achieve a form of absolute beauty that
Read MoreSpanish Literature Before the Civil War
The Pre-Novel of the Spanish Civil War
In 1912, four novels emerged that paved an innovative path in Spanish narrative: Azorín’s The Will, Pío Baroja’s The Path of Perfection, Miguel de Unamuno’s Love and Pedagogy, and Valle-Inclán’s Sonata of Autumn. These novelists, each with their unique style, reacted against the prevailing realistic and naturalistic formulas.
The technical differences between these novels and those of the previous century include:
- Shift in Point of View: The narrative perspective