18th & 19th Century Spanish Literature: Neoclassicism and Romanticism
Neoclassicism (18th Century)
The 18th century in Spanish literature is known as the Neoclassical period, reflecting the dominant intellectual spirit. However, two other trends existed within this framework: Post-Baroque, continuing Baroque formalism, and Pre-Romanticism, a melancholic current emerging in the late 18th century.
Key Characteristics of Neoclassicism:
- Universality and verisimilitude
- Unity of style and genre separation
- Moral and educational purpose
- Emphasis on informative prose and essays
Prose
Early
Read MorePost-War Spanish Literature: Trends and Themes
Post-War Spanish Literature
1940s Literature
Post-war writers rejected the notion of pure art, believing that literature should address the realities of Spain. Literary works were filled with existential angst, allegations of injustice, solidarity, and personal experiences. Censorship hindered freedom of expression, forcing several authors into exile. Others used symbols and allegories to represent the social and political situation.
Two main trends emerged:
- Conservative: This trend shared the ideals
Medieval Narrative: Didacticism in 14th-Century Literature
The Shift in Literary Transmission
The 14th century witnessed significant changes in how literary works were disseminated, transitioning from oral traditions (songs and minstrel recitations) to individual, silent reading. Two prominent works, the Book of Good Love by Juan Ruiz (Archpriest of Hita) and Count Lucanor by Don Juan Manuel, exemplify this shift.
The Book of Good Love
This unique work, with no clear European parallel, formally inherits the mester de clerecía style with its use of a frame
Read MorePost-Civil War Spanish Literature: Poetry and Novel
Post-Civil War Spanish Literature
The Poetry of the Forties
The Spanish Civil War had a profound impact on the cultural landscape, including literature. Many writers went into exile, primarily to Latin America, but maintained contact with those who remained in Spain. Their books, despite censorship, circulated widely.
In the realm of poetry, a “re-humanization” process began after the war, focusing on existential and social themes. Formal concerns took a backseat until much later.
The Generation of
Read MoreSpanish Post-Civil War Literature: Theater and Poetry of the 50s
The Theater of the Fifties
The Spanish Civil War had a profound impact on culture, particularly in the realm of literature. Many writers went into exile, primarily to Latin America, but maintained contact with those who remained in Spain. Their works, despite censorship, circulated widely. Theater suffered the most due to commercial and ideological constraints, hindering its renewal. Censorship affected not only the text but also the performance itself.
A New Stage: Social Protest Theater
A new era
Read MoreThe Silver Age of Spanish Literature
The Silver Age: Historical and Cultural Context
Historical Context
The early 20th century in post-World War I Spain was marked by significant political and social instability. The Second Republic, established in 1931, lasted until the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936. Following the war, Franco’s dictatorship imposed harsh repression against those who defended the Republic.
Society and Culture
This era witnessed an artistic flourishing influenced by diverse factors, including the educational
Read More