18th Century Literary Movements: From Post-Baroque to Romanticism
18th Century Literary Movements
The 18th century witnessed a fascinating shift in literary styles and philosophies. Here’s a breakdown of the key movements:
Post-Baroque (1680-1725)
Also known as Postbarroquismo, this period maintained the ornate style of Baroque literature. Authors like Góngora, Quevedo, and Calderón continued to influence writing, even as new ideas began to emerge.
Neoclassicism (1726-1780)
Neoclassicism is characterized by a focus on reason, a sensualist perspective, the rise of Enlightenment ideals, and a return to classical models. Poetry during this time often reflected a Rococo spirit.
Key features of Neoclassicism include:
- Dominance of reason and objectivity
- Emphasis on cosmopolitanism and universality
- Imitation of nature and a search for bucolic settings
- Rigor in national analysis
- Adherence to rules, exemplified by Luzán’s Poetics
- Social projection of literature, viewing art as useful (aut prodesse delectare – to teach or delight)
The essay became a preferred genre for disseminating knowledge and Enlightenment principles. While the essay wasn’t fully defined as a genre until the 19th century, it took various forms, including correspondence, autobiography, memoirs, reports, and travelogues. Travel writing was particularly popular, often presented as letters with catechetical and didactic intentions, aiming to raise awareness of reality and promote critical thinking. Notable writers of this period include:
- Benito Jerónimo Feijoo: A Spanish essayist and exponent of the Enlightenment, Feijoo advocated for the pursuit of truth in all branches of knowledge. His major works include Teatro Crítico Universal and Cartas Eruditas y Curiosas.
- José Cadalso: Known for Cartas Marruecas (Moroccan Letters), an epistolary work offering a satirical view of Spanish society and French manners.
- Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos: His works include poetry, plays, and essays, with reformist proposals. Notable works include Informe sobre la Ley Agraria (Report on the Agrarian Law) and Memorias sobre los espectáculos públicos (Reports on Public Entertainment).
Pre-Romanticism
Towards the end of the century, Pre-Romanticism emerged, marked by intensifying social concerns and a rise in philosophical literature.
Romanticism
Romanticism appeared in Europe in the early 19th century, gaining traction in Spain by the second third of the century.
Poetry Trends
While Baroque poetry persisted early in the century, several trends emerged:
- Rococo Poetry: Focused on sensuality, love, and beauty, with Meléndez Valdés as a key figure.
- Illustrated Poetry: Aimed to instruct and educate, encompassing social and didactic themes.
- Pre-Romantic Poetry: Aroused interest in sensitivity and feeling.