Evolution of Spanish Narrative: From 1936 to Modern Era
Spanish Narrative Before 1936
Early 20th Century and the Generation of ’98
Following realistic and naturalistic models, the 20th century began with the Generation of ’98, renewing literature in response to the era’s crisis. Key themes included:
- Spain: Criticism of Spain’s situation and a search for its essence through landscapes, history (e.g., El Cid, Jorge Manrique, Cervantes), and literature.
- Existentialism: Philosophical reflections on life’s meaning, immortality, faith crises, and doubt.
The Generation
Read MoreCatalan Modernism and Avant-Garde: A Literary Overview
Catalan Modernism and Avant-Garde
Joan Puig i Ferreter (1882-1956)
A poet of Catalan Modernism, known for his social protest. Escanyapobres, inspired by Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People, is his most representative work. Set in rural Tarragona during a drought, the play depicts the conflict between an engineer proposing a scientific solution and the traditional beliefs of the villagers.
Modernist Theater Trends
- Beauticians: Focused on the contrast between poetic idealism and everyday reality (e.g., Santiago
Two Spanish Classics: If the Girls & Don Quixote
If the Girls
In an inn in Alcalá de Henares, Don Diego and Doña Irene stop on their way back to Guadalajara. They had journeyed to retrieve Doña Francisca, who is being educated in a convent. Don Diego intends to marry Francisca.
The play begins with Don Diego speaking to his servant, Simón, revealing the impending wedding to a sixteen-year-old girl. Doña Irene and her daughter arrive, and Don Diego speaks with them. Doña Irene scolds Francisca for her coldness towards him, then praises Don
Read More18th-Century Spanish Literature: From Baroque to Romanticism
Theater
The Baroque and Its Aftermath
The 18th century began with a lively debate between proponents of Baroque theater and those of the Enlightenment. Leandro Fernández de Moratín championed a neoclassical, didactic style, while others defended the existing Baroque tradition. Enlightenment thinkers criticized Baroque theater for its disregard of the three unities, its lack of realism and didacticism, and its violent and immoral themes.
Different Currents
- Post-Baroque Theater: This style, particularly
20th Century Latin American Literature: A Literary Overview
20th Century Latin American Literature
Historical Context
Central and South America, once united under Spanish rule, gained independence throughout the 19th century. In 1898, the last Spanish colonies (Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines) were lost. The 20th century saw many young Latin American nations grapple with authoritarian and dictatorial regimes, revolutions, and counter-revolutions. This political instability often hindered economic growth.
Culture and Society
Common themes emerged in 20th-
Read More17th Century Spanish Literature: Baroque and Decline
Background: 17th Century Spain
In the 17th century, Spain’s power began to decline. The reign of Philip III marked the first signs of this depletion, a trend that continued through subsequent reigns. Spain gradually lost its European territories and its prominent political role.
Social Context
The Economy
Economics played a decisive role in the 17th-century crisis. Spain failed to capitalize on the riches from the Americas, which often ended up in the hands of lenders. Economic recovery was only
Read More