19th Century Spanish Literary Realism: Context, Authors, and Works
Literary Realism in 19th Century Spain
Historical and Cultural Context
Political, Economic, and Social Aspects
Emerging progressive governments implemented labor and fiscal reforms. However, economic crises, unemployment, wars, and regional conflicts contributed to the downfall of the First Republic, ending a prolonged period of conflict. Economic development spurred urban growth and railway expansion. Bourgeois families enjoyed luxury while the masses remained marginalized from politics, modernization,
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16th-Century Spanish Prose
Didactic Prose: The Dialogue
A quintessential Renaissance genre, the dialogue, tied to the spread of Erasmian ideology, championed a practical literature focused on education. Key authors include:
- Alfonso de Valdés: Influential in court circles, much like Erasmus, he led intellectual and religious groups.
- Juan de Valdés: His work, first published in the 18th century, comprises eight parts and features a natural, unpretentious style, reflecting his motto, “write as I speak.
Post-Civil War Spanish Literature: Poetry and Prose
Poetry
The Poetry of War (1940s)
After the Spanish Civil War, a group of young poets known as the “Generation of 1936” or the “Escorial Group” emerged. Their poetry, published in magazines like Escorial (1940) and Garcilaso (1943), aligned with the imperialist and epic ideals of the victors. This style was characterized by heroic and religious themes, classical meters, and traditional stanzas. Key figures included Luis Rosales, Luis Felipe Vivanco, Leopoldo Panero, and Dionisio Ridruejo.
In 1944, Dámaso
Read More20th-Century Spanish Literature: Poetry, Theater, and Social Commentary
Poetry of the 1940s
During the 1940s, Spanish poetry was dominated by expressions of religious and existential concerns. Post-war poetry began with two books published in 1944: Sons of Anger by Dámaso Alonso and Shadow of Paradise by Vicente Aleixandre. These works paved the way for younger poets like Blas de Otero (Angel Fierce Roll of Consciousness). These books reflect a pessimistic and anxious worldview, where a cruel and arbitrary God governs a meaningless, chaotic world. They express deep
Read MoreNovecentismo (Generation of ’14): Overview and Key Figures
Novecentismo (Generation of ’14)
Introduction
The Novecentismo, also known as the Generation of ’14, represents a literary and artistic movement spanning approximately 1910 to 1930. The term “Generation of ’14” stems from its members reaching maturity around World War I.
Key Characteristics
- Rationalism: Novecentists championed intellectual rigor, objective analysis, and clear exposition, contrasting with the prior generation’s bohemian and irrational tendencies.
- European Influence: They advocated for
Modernism (1885-1916): Literary Movement, Key Authors, and Context
Modernism (1885-1916): A Literary Movement
Introduction
Description and dialogue are discursive forms within narrative texts, especially novels. Functions include: interrupting the narrative; modifying the narrative pace; providing information on elements such as space, events, objects, and environment; and marking the narrative structure. Dialogue advances the plot, gradually replacing the narrator’s voice with that of the characters.
Acronyms and Modernism
Acronyms are words formed from the initial
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