The Generation of ’98 and ’27: A Comparative Study
The Spanish Literary Landscape: 1898 & 1927
The Generation of ’98
The close of the 19th century brought a pivotal crisis for Spain: the loss of its final colonies, Cuba and the Philippines, in 1898. The Treaty of Paris, signed in the same year, granted Cuba independence and placed the Philippines and Puerto Rico under U.S. control. This event ignited outrage and protest in Spain, finding expression in the literature of the Generation of ’98.
What is a Literary Generation?
A literary generation comprises writers born around the same time, influenced by a significant historical event. They grapple with similar societal problems and respond to them in comparable ways.
Key Characteristics of the Generation of ’98
- Key Figures: Miguel de Unamuno, Ramón del Valle-Inclán, Pío Baroja, Azorín, and Antonio Machado.
- Birth Years: Between 1864 and 1875.
- Defining Event: The Spanish-American War and the loss of colonies in 1898.
- Shared Concerns: Spain’s decline, societal apathy, and the search for national identity.
- Similar Responses: Analyzing Spain’s issues and proposing solutions, seeking the essence of Spanish identity through literature, history, and landscape.
Exploring the Essence of Spain
The Generation of ’98 sought to revitalize Spain’s national spirit through:
- Literature: Drawing inspiration from classic Spanish writers like Gonzalo de Berceo, Jorge Manrique, Cervantes, and Quevedo, as well as from Mariano José de Larra.
- History: Examining Spain’s past to understand its present and future.
- Landscape: Finding reflection and inspiration in the austere Castilian landscape.
Reactions and Literary Style
In response to the 1898 crisis, the Generation of ’98:
- Rebelled against Spain’s backwardness, advocating for reforms in agriculture, education, culture, and economy, and promoting European integration.
- Exalted national and patriotic values.
- Developed a distinct literary style: Simple, expressive language; precise vocabulary; concise sentences and paragraphs.
Miguel de Unamuno (1864-1936)
Born in Bilbao, Unamuno was a philosopher, professor, and writer. His opposition to Primo de Rivera’s dictatorship led to his exile. Unamuno’s work is characterized by philosophical depth, a passionate style, and a preoccupation with death, faith, and the meaning of life. His vast literary output spans novels (Aunt Tula, Abel Sanchez, San Manuel Bueno, Martyr, Mist), poetry (The Christ of Velázquez), essays (The Tragic Sense of Life), and plays.
The Generation of ’27
This literary generation, also known as the Generation of 1927, emerged in a different context. They gathered in Seville in 1927 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Luis de Góngora’s death.
Key Characteristics of the Generation of ’27
- Key Figures: Pedro Salinas, Jorge Guillén, Gerardo Diego, Federico García Lorca, Rafael Alberti, Dámaso Alonso, Vicente Aleixandre, Miguel Hernández, and Luis Cernuda.
- Birth Years: Within a nine-year span.
- Defining Event: The 1927 Góngora tribute.
- Influences: Luis de Góngora and Juan Ramón Jiménez.
- Shared Goal: Developing a poetic language suited to their themes.
Key Features and Style
- Tradition and Modernity: Balancing admiration for classical Spanish literature with avant-garde influences, particularly surrealism.
- Aesthetic Intention: Striving for pure poetry through evocative imagery.
- Themes: Exploring universal human experiences like love, death, and fate, often drawing on popular songs and folklore.
- Style: Lyrical language with a focus on precise expression.
- Versification: Employing both traditional and modern verse forms.
Rafael Alberti (1902-1999)
Born in Cádiz, Alberti’s early work reflected a nostalgia for his homeland. His later poetry embraced surrealist techniques.
Federico García Lorca (1898-1936)
Born in Granada, Lorca’s work is marked by Andalusian folklore, tragic themes, and powerful imagery. His plays explore both popular themes and the complexities of passionate love.
Miguel Hernández (1910-1942)
Born in Orihuela, Hernández’s poetry is passionate and fervent. His later work, written in prison, reveals a shift in style.