18th & 19th Century Spanish Literature: Neoclassicism and Romanticism
Neoclassicism (18th Century)
The 18th century in Spanish literature is known as the Neoclassical period, reflecting the dominant intellectual spirit. However, two other trends existed within this framework: Post-Baroque, continuing Baroque formalism, and Pre-Romanticism, a melancholic current emerging in the late 18th century.
Key Characteristics of Neoclassicism:
- Universality and verisimilitude
- Unity of style and genre separation
- Moral and educational purpose
- Emphasis on informative prose and essays
Prose
Early 18th-century prose showed Baroque influences, exemplified by Life of Diego de Torres y Villaroel. Mid-century saw works like The History of the Famous Preacher, Friar Gerundio de Campazas, Alias Zotes by José Francisco de Isla, satirizing the era’s oratory. Didactic prose and essays flourished with figures like Feijoo, Cadalso, and Jovellanos.
Fray Benito Jerónimo Feijoo’s Universal Critical Theatre, a collection of essays, aimed to inform the public about European cultural developments and dispel superstitions. José Cadalso’s Moroccan Letters offered a cultural, social, and economic overview of Spain. Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos’s work, including Report on the Agrarian Law, reflected the era’s intellectual concerns with a sober and elegant prose style.
Poetry
Neoclassicism triumphed in poetry during the latter half of the century. Fables were a characteristic genre, with prominent practitioners like Félix María Samaniego (Fables) and Tomás de Iriarte (Literary Fables). Juan Meléndez Valdés synthesized Anacreontic poetry (love and bucolic settings) with moral and philosophical themes.
Theater
Neoclassicism in theater emphasized didactic intent, adhering to rules like the three unities (action, space, time), plausibility, decorum, and genre purity. Leandro Fernández de Moratín’s comedies, such as The Old Man and the Girl and The Girls Themselves, addressed themes like marriage and social equality while adhering to neoclassical rules. Ramón de la Cruz’s sainetes, like Manolo, captured Madrid’s folk customs, contrasting with neoclassical ideals.
Romanticism (19th Century)
Romanticism rebelled against bourgeois values, championing the creative power of the individual and freedom of expression.
Key Characteristics of Romanticism:
- Rejection of reality and escapism
- Emphasis on imagination and exoticism
- Exploration of inner emotions
- Importance of landscapes and settings
- Creative freedom in technique and structure
Prose
The historical novel gained popularity, with Enrique Gil y Carrasco’s The Lord of Bembibre as a notable example. Folklore articles and ideological debates in periodicals were also prominent. Mariano José de Larra excelled in newspaper articles, particularly his Artículos de costumbres (articles of customs), offering ironic critiques of Spanish society. His literary criticism and political articles further showcased his insightful and critical perspective.
Poetry
Romanticism’s impact on poetry was significant, with innovations in lexicon, imagery, metrics, and themes. Love, religion, death, and social/political issues were prominent themes. Narrative poetry, including legends and historical subjects, was popular, as seen in José Zorrilla’s Legends in Verse and the Duke of Rivas’s Historical Romances. The second generation, or Post-Romanticism, featured Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer (Rimas) and Rosalía de Castro (On the Banks of the Sar), whose intimate and melancholic poetry bridged the gap to modern lyricism.
Theater
Romantic drama broke with neoclassical rules, embracing creative freedom. Historical drama was the most cultivated genre, often set in medieval times but addressing contemporary social issues. Love, passion, and the pursuit of freedom were central themes, often leading to tragic outcomes. Key playwrights and works include Francisco Martínez de la Rosa’s The Conspiracy of Venice, the Duke of Rivas’s Don Álvaro or the Force of Fate, Antonio García Gutiérrez’s The Troubadour, Juan Eugenio Hartzenbusch’s The Lovers of Teruel, and José Zorrilla’s Don Juan Tenorio.