Generation of ’27: Poets and Literary Critics of Spain
Dámaso Alonso
Dámaso Alonso, born in Madrid, was a poet, literary critic, and philologist associated with the Generation of ’27. He held degrees in Law, Philosophy, and Literature, actively participating in Madrid’s literary scene alongside figures like Federico García Lorca, Luis Buñuel, and Salvador Dalí. He contributed to Revista de Occidente (founded by José Ortega y Gasset) and Los Cuatro Vientos (which he founded). Alonso’s academic career included professorships in Valencia and Madrid,
Read MoreCatalan Literature: Overview of Major Authors and Works
Catalan Literature: An Overview
Llorenç Villalonga (1897-1980)
Born in Majorca, Villalonga’s literature, rooted in psychological novels, draws heavily from his Mallorcan upbringing. His works often feature prominent female characters and explore themes of aristocracy and social satire.
Novel
- Death of Woman (1931): A pivotal work in Catalan literature, this novel offers an innovative narrative about the decline of the Mallorcan aristocracy. It satirizes the nobility and critiques both Chuetas and Catalan
Life and Work of Miguel de Cervantes
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
Life and Literary Career
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra led an eventful life, though many details remain uncertain. Born in Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), likely on September 29, 1547, he spent his youth in various Spanish cities, including Madrid and Seville. In his early twenties, he traveled to Rome to serve Cardinal Acquaviva. He toured Italy and joined the Spanish Armada, participating heroically in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, a pivotal moment in the decline of Turkish
Read MoreSpanish Post-Civil War Theater: From Existentialism to the Avant-Garde
Spanish Post-Civil War Theater
The 40s: A Struggling Scene
Following the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), theater was severely impacted. Authorities saw it as a tool for healing, leading to the production of low-quality, ideologically driven plays. Classics, especially from the Golden Age, were revived alongside translated foreign works. The absence of prominent playwrights like Lorca, Alberti, Casona, and Aub, who were either deceased or exiled, further contributed to the overall decline in quality.
Read MoreSpanish Poetry from 1975 to Today: Trends and Influences
V. – SPANISH POETRY SINCE 1975
The Poetry of Recent Years
The poetry of recent years presents a complex panorama due to the amount and variety of trends. This complexity arises from the confluence of poets from different generations, including both established authors and those pioneering new poetic territories. The difficulty of classification stems from the individualistic nature of these poets, who prioritize expressing intimate experiences over adhering to general trends, foregoing grand ambitions
Read MoreEvolution of Spanish Poetry: Post-War to 1970s
I. Post-War Poetry (1940s)
The early post-war period witnessed a resurgence of poetry, marked by the influence of the “Generation of ’36.” This group, categorized by Damaso Alonso, largely followed two poetic paths:
1. Rooted Poetry (Garcilaso)
This group, inspired by the poet Garcilaso de la Vega, sought perfection, balance, and clarity. Their optimistic worldview reflected an orderly and serene existence. Thematically, they focused on intimate subjects like love, leisure, landscapes, and beauty,
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