20th-Century Spanish Theater: Post-War to Avant-Garde
Post-War Spanish Theater
Situation at the End of the War (1936)
The two great dramatists of the previous period, Valle Inclán and Lorca, died in 1936. Some younger playwrights went into exile, such as Alberti, Casona, and Aub. Others remained in Spain, like Jardiel Poncela and Mihura.
Dramatists in Exile
Two representative names are Alejandro Casona and Max Aub. Casona, who had debuted one of his best works, La sirena varada, before the war, achieved great success in Spain upon his return from exile
Read More17th-Century Spanish Theater: Lope, Tirso, and Calderón
17th-Century Spanish Theater
This era is renowned for its influential playwrights, impactful works, and social significance. Lope de Vega revolutionized comedy by disregarding the classical unities of time, place, and action. Plays were structured in three acts (or “days”), employed varied meter (polimetría), adapted language to each character, and incorporated songs and dances, blending comedic and tragic elements.
Themes and Topics
Plays explored mythological and pastoral themes, often set in rural
Read More20th Century Spanish Poets
Federico García Lorca (1898-1936)
Theatrical Writer and Poet
Lorca’s poetry was widely known and admired, following two distinct lines:
- Classical and Traditional: Exemplified by his Gypsy Ballads, which use traditional verse to depict the exclusion, frustration, and tragic fate of the Roma people.
- Avant-Garde and Surrealist: A cutting-edge style exploring new forms of expression, evident in Poet in New York, which features surreal images that escape the logic of reality and addresses themes of dehumanization,
Renaissance, Baroque, and Modern Age: A Literary Journey Through Spanish Culture
UNIT 11: The Renaissance
Cultural Comparison: Middle Ages vs. Humanism
Middle Ages
- Theocentrism
- Man is inherently flawed and judged by God.
- Life is a vale of tears.
- Art serves a didactic and moral purpose.
- Death is the ultimate end.
Humanism
- Anthropocentrism
- Man is inherently good.
- Life is to be enjoyed.
- Art is appreciated for its beauty.
- Classical ideals are valued.
- Memory and fame transcend death.
Early Renaissance Lyric
Italian opera influences the expression of beauty. Garcilaso de la Vega and Juan Boscán
Read MoreSpanish Literature from Romanticism to the 20th Century
Romantic Poets
Bécquer
Bécquer’s poetical works opened doors to intimacy, purity, sensitivity, and authenticity, straying from the typical Romantic lyricism inspired by German and Andalusian folk songs. His Rhymes are intense and emotional, striving for formal perfection through poetic simplicity. This evocative poetry is born of feeling, mixed with fantasy. His prose, particularly the Legends, expresses intimate emotions through fantastical stories.
Larra
Larra holds a significant place in Spanish
Read MoreNoucentisme, Avant-Garde & Spanish Literary Movements
Noucentisme
Noucentisme proclaims the need for intellectual rigor to find rational solutions to Spain’s problems while proposing innovative artistic ideals.
Key Features of Noucentisme
- European Influence: Europe embodies the values of rationality and modernity.
- Anti-romanticism: Sense and balance should prevail over the emotional sensitivity of earlier writers.
- Artistic Purity: It considers Modernism superficial and rejects the passion of the Generation of ’98 for lacking intellectual rigor.
- Intellectual