Romantic Poetry and Prose
Romantic Poetry
Narrative Poetry
Narrative poetry developed a kind of narrative linked to the medieval epic, romances, and legends of oral transmission. Frequent elements are ghostly and gloomy. The stories are located in places steeped in artistic tradition.
Lyric Poetry
There were two periods during the nineteenth century: In the first half of this century, José de Espronceda cultivated a lyric characterized by rhetorical emphasis and patriotic and social themes. The development of lyric poetry continued
Read MoreThe Generation of ’27: A Poetic Synthesis
The Generation of ’27, a group of Spanish poets born around the turn of the 20th century, embodies the traits of a generation shaped by shared intellectual pursuits and mutual admiration. Their gathering for a tribute to Luis de Góngora, guided by Juan Ramón Jiménez, solidified their common stylistic features and recognition of a bygone era. These poets achieved a remarkable synthesis of tradition and innovation.
Bridging Tradition and the Avant-Garde
From Spain’s rich literary past, they resurrected
Read More1902 Generation: Literary Renewal in Spain
Breaking with Realism
While literary history often distinguishes between the Generation of ’98 and Modernism, both movements share a crucial commonality: a rejection of late 19th-century Realism. They viewed Realism as bourgeois, stale, and mundane. This shared rejection led them to explore new forms of expression, intensified by the social and political upheaval following the loss of Spain’s last colonies. This period, culminating in 1902, saw a surge of critical perspectives, particularly within
Read MoreDon Juan Tenorio: A Romantic Reimagining
What Makes Zorrilla’s Work Original?
The theme of Zorrilla’s drama was not new, having been explored by authors like Gabriel Téllez for centuries. Zorrilla’s romantic version, written in twenty days, differentiates itself through subtle details and new elements. However, the key difference lies in the protagonist’s nature.
Unlike other Don Juan portrayals, Zorrilla’s Don Juan undergoes a radical transformation upon falling in love with Doña Inés, the ideal woman. This sacrificial love enables his
Read More19th Century Romanticism: History, Social & Cultural Change
XIX Century: Historical, Social & Cultural Transformations
Social and Political Upheaval
The 19th century was a period marked by significant social tensions, political turmoil, and transformative changes. The French Revolution (1789) triggered a profound crisis, leading to the dismantling of the ancien régime. Socially, the old estate system gave way to a class-based society, with the bourgeoisie (the aristocracy of money) replacing the nobility. This shift coincided with rapid industrial development
Read MoreApollo and Daphne: Bernini’s Baroque Masterpiece
Apollo and Daphne (1622-25) by Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Context
Historical Context
- Continental confrontation between Catholic and Protestant Europe.
- Italy as a battleground for European political and administrative powers.
- The unique position of Italy, and specifically the Papal States.
Cultural Context
- Rome as the artistic center of the early 17th century.
- Artistic and cultural renewal of Rome to strengthen the Church and papal authority.
- The Church, particularly in Rome, as the main patron of the arts.
- Counter-