18th Century Spanish Literature: Neoclassicism & Enlightenment
Historical Context
At this time, despotism began to prevail in Europe. Spain entered a period of French influence, where monarchs were surrounded by an enlightened minority.
Language and Literature in 18th Century Spain
The ideal language was clarity, imposing new customs and modernization. In literature, likelihood and reasonableness were emphasized, and genres such as essays and plays were favored. This century is divided into several periods: Posbarroco and Illustration, which in turn is divided into Rococo (artificial style), Neoclassicism (harmony between man and nature), and Pre-Romanticism.
Posbarroca Poetry
Conceptista imitates the style of Quevedo and Gongora culterano in serious or humorous themes.
Illustrated Poetry
Poetry begins to impose a knowledge and application of rules, revitalizing subgenres of lyrical poetry.
Rococo Poetry
It is elegant and refined; the language shows signs of emotion and abundant epithets. Pastoral or bucolic lines and sensualist lines are distinguished.
Neoclassical Poetry
It covers civic and social topics of the Enlightenment, using verses of arte mayor (hendecasyllables).
Pre-Romantic Poetry
Philosophical and social themes are explored with a more sensitive and emotional approach. It incorporates pre-Romantic themes and tones.
18th Century Prose
It promotes the development of didactic prose and essays. In the first half of the century, there is a desire to reform. New ideas provoke controversy, which is solved by renewing the language.
Feijoo
He introduced Enlightenment ideas to Spain. He eagerly wrote encyclopedically, covering all fields with a critical approach, aiming to do away with superstitions and false beliefs.
José Cadalso
He consolidated the essay genre. In his works, Cadalso makes criticism compatible with patriotism. The epistolary mold imposes a conversational tone with humor and irony. His presence causes the appearance of perspectivism. He was an enlightened, moderate, and pessimistic figure.
Jovellanos
He is the exponent of the reform-minded. In his work, he reviews the origin and development of public entertainment and, in view of its decline, proposes a series of reforms. He also writes articles on education.
Polemical and Didactic Prose
Forner was the fiercest debater who tried to refute the charge of Spanish scientific backwardness. The prose of philological and historical themes was a huge boost in the illustration (Mayans), laying the foundations of neoclassical literature.
Popular and Neoclassical Theater
Popular Theater
The influence of the Baroque survives well into the century, with subgenres like comedies and heroic plays proliferating. These works feature numerous characters and special effects. The farce (a short piece displayed in the rest of the comedies) was widely accepted and reflected popular local languages.
Neoclassical Theater
The debate between the enlightened and the defenders of popular theater continued. The enlightened decried the lack of preparation of the actors and the dramatic techniques (looking for easy success). They rejected the Baroque theater in content and form, promoting educational theater subject to rules (subject to the three unities, avoidance of excess, etc.).
Neoclassical Tragedy
It is based on Italian and French models. Its main features are the fight for freedom, the development of great characters, writing in verse, and providing models for the regeneration of Spain.
Neoclassical Comedy
The Enlightenment created a new type of comedy. Its protagonists and audience belong to the middle class, creating a comedy of credible imitation and the combination of delight and profit. It presents social conflicts, emotional intrigue with a simple touch, and adheres to the three unities.