18th-Century Spanish Literature
1. The Eighteenth Century
An age of population growth and improved standards of living. This need favors the development of agriculture and boosts the industrial revolution. Politically, the 18th century persists in absolute monarchy, except for the French Revolution. Spain faces a political crisis following the disappearance of the Habsburg dynasty and its replacement by the enlightened Bourbons. They intend to modernize the country but encounter much resistance. Throughout the century, major cultural institutions are founded: the National Library, the Royal Spanish Academy…
2. The Enlightenment
A philosophical and political movement characteristic of the eighteenth century, also known as the Century of Lights. It is based on reason as the foundation of knowledge. The Enlightenment promotes scientific development and discoveries. Free work is abundant, and numerous dictionaries are intended to summarize the knowledge of the time. In aesthetics, Neoclassicism dominates the arts. In music, balanced composition prevails. In literature, epic and lyrical works are distinguished from dramatic and comedic ones.
3. Prose
Many works of the eighteenth-century Enlightenment aim to disseminate ideas to help reform society. The first periodicals appear… Narrative, an early literary genre, disappears in the 18th century. The preferred prose form of Enlightenment writers was the essay, written with didactic intention and expansion.
4. Poetry
During the eighteenth century, the pace of Baroque poetry slows down. The most important poet of illustrated poetry is Juan Meléndez Valdés. Neoclassical poetry, modeled after Greco-Roman classical writers, is the standard for Spanish poets of the eighteenth century. Themes include the praise of fine arts, ignorance, and superstition. Alongside this, there is another type of poetry, philosophical and delicate, with pastoral themes of nature and everyday life. It praises the pleasures of the century, and one can speak of pre-Romantic poetry.
5. Theater
Baroque theater, preferred by the public, continued for a long time, so Neoclassical theater was slow to gain power. Slowly, it began to be imposed through the works of illustrated playwrights. However, the most popular form was the farce, a short, comical piece that was represented in the intervals of major Neoclassical comedy works. Neoclassical comedy did not achieve success until later, with the works of Leandro Fernández de Moratín. This style is characterized by respect for the rule of three unities and the intention of being believable.