The Generation of ’27 and Juan Ramón Jiménez: A Literary Journey
Noucentisme and the Generation of ’14
In the second decade of the twentieth century, a group of writers known as the Generation of ’14 emerged in Spain. Characterized by intellectualism, a European focus, and a pursuit of pure art, they promoted the artistic movement called Noucentisme.
Poetry
Juan Ramón Jiménez stands as the principal representative of poetry during this era. His relentless pursuit of perfection is reflected in his evolving creative stages.
Sensitive Stage
This initial phase reveals the influence of Modernism, evident in melancholic works like Arias, Elegies, and Solitude Sounds. It also encompasses Platero and I, a prose poem elegy.
Intellectual Stage
Beginning in 1916 with Diary of a Newly Married Poet, this stage features significant works such as Eternidades, Piedra y cielo, and Estación total.
True Stage
This period comprises books written during Jiménez’s American exile, including On the Other Side and Dios deseado y deseante.
Prose
Noucentisme saw a significant rise in both the novel and the essay. The novel of this period is distinguished by lyrical descriptive passages and the incorporation of non-fiction elements. These works prioritize reflection and character portrayal over action.
Novelists
- Gabriel Miró: Author of novels such as The Bishop Leprosy and Our Father Saint Daniel.
- Ramón Pérez de Ayala: Evolved from realism to symbolism in works like Belarmino and Apolonio and Tigre Juan.
- Ramón Gómez de la Serna: Introduced avant-garde movements to Spain and created greguerías, which he defined as a blend of humor and metaphor.
Essayists
- José Ortega y Gasset: Summarized his vision for new literature in The Dehumanization of Art, reflecting the influence of the avant-garde.
The Generation of ’27
In the 1920s, a new literary group known as the Generation of ’27 emerged. They took their name from a 1927 gathering commemorating the tercentenary of Luis de Góngora’s death.
These intellectually grounded authors admired the poetry of Juan Ramón Jiménez and the ideas of Ortega y Gasset. While influenced by the avant-garde, they sought to fuse tradition and innovation in their works.
Poets
Notable poets of the Generation of ’27 include:
- Federico García Lorca
- Rafael Alberti
- Luis Cernuda
- Pedro Salinas
- Jorge Guillén
- Dámaso Alonso
- Gerardo Diego
- Vicente Aleixandre
Federico García Lorca
Born in 1898, Lorca’s poetry is often divided into two stages, separated by his trip to New York.
First Stage: Gypsy Ballads
Lorca embraced popular poetic forms, incorporating traditional Spanish elements to explore themes of desire, rebellion, and death. Key works include Poema del cante jondo and Gypsy Ballads. Romance de la pena negra exemplifies this stage’s exploration of Gypsy mythology.
Second Stage: Poet in New York
This stage reveals a strong influence of avant-garde and surrealism. Lorca’s poems from this period reflect on poverty, hunger, and social injustice, utilizing free verse and surreal imagery to evoke emotions and suggest meaning.
Federico García Lorca: Theatre
Alongside Valle-Inclán, Lorca revitalized Spanish drama in the early twentieth century. His breakthrough came with the historical verse drama Mariana Pineda. His theatrical achievements culminated in three rural tragedies set in Andalusia: Blood Wedding, Yerma, and The House of Bernarda Alba.