Neoclassicism and Romanticism in Spanish Literature
1. Neoclassicism (18th Century)
1.1 Didactic Fables
Fables exemplify the dual purpose of Neoclassical literature: to be both useful and delightful. Typically written in verse, with a simple meter (e.g., eight-syllable assonant verses), they present short, humorous stories culminating in a moral lesson. Characters, often animals, embody human virtues and shortcomings. Key fabulists include Félix María Samaniego and Tomás de Iriarte, known for works like The Donkey Flutist.
1.2 Pictorial Essays
Gaspar
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Prior to the Theater of 1936
Background
The Theater at the End of the 19th Century
The second half of the nineteenth century is the era of so-called high comedy (a kind of realistic drama set in the salons of high society and used to raise a moral argument). The most significant author was José Echegaray, author of works like “The Great Galeotti”. His neo-romantic drama, written in verse, featured a rhetorical style and outdated themes, completely detached from reality. An attempt at renovating the
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The Rise of Peninsular Theater
Middle Ages
Religious drama, tied to festivals and religious ceremonies, was prominent during the Middle Ages.
Renaissance
New trends emerged during the Renaissance:
- Italianate Theater: Juan del Encina created various theatrical eclogues.
- Classical Theater: This style followed Greco-Roman models.
- National Theater: Juan de la Cueva wrote dramas based on national history.
- Popular Theater: Lope de Rueda wrote pasos (short, humorous pieces based on comic situations), such as
Spanish Golden Age Literature: A Comprehensive Overview
Gómez Manrique
Gómez Manrique, nephew of the Marquis of Santillana, was a prominent political figure rather than a man of letters. He opposed Juan II and remained neutral in the conflict between Isabel (the future Queen Isabella I) and Juana la Beltraneja. He is known for a new verse form, the sextuplet manriqueña, or broken-foot couplet. As a playwright, Manrique continued the Castilian tradition of liturgical dramas. His works include:
- Representación del Nacimiento de Nuestro Señor (Representation
20th-Century Spanish Theater: From Civil War to Modern Trends
20th-Century Spanish Theater
Introduction
During the Spanish Civil War, theater became a tool for political propaganda, used by both the Falange and guerrilla groups. Heroic and patriotic dramas were popular, alongside high comedy, drama, and musical revues. The early works of Antonio Buero Vallejo and Alfonso Sastre introduced existential and social themes, along with a more refined theatrical language. These playwrights were followed by others who navigated censorship, some facing outright bans.
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The Rise of Romanticism
Napoleon’s European expansion spread the ideals of the French Revolution (liberty, equality, fraternity). This led to a reaction from traditional monarchies, emphasizing values like religion, throne, and home. Nationalist sentiments also arose, reaffirming historic identities against the invader. Within this context, Romanticism emerged in 19th-century Europe.
As an artistic and literary movement, Romanticism reacted against Neoclassicism’
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