18th-Century Spanish Literature: Trends and Institutions
18th-Century Corrientes: Dynasty Change and Enlightened Despotism
Corrientes in the eighteenth century saw a change of dynasty, leading to enlightened despotism, a philosophy summarized as “all for the people, but without the people.” This era, known as the Enlightenment, promoted the creation of public and private institutions. The first newspapers were printed. The principles were not easily accepted and often attacked traditional culture.
In literature, the penetration of new ideas was slow and uneven. It manifested in three distinct styles:
- Eighteenth-Century Baroque: A continuation of the traditional literary style.
- Neoclassicism: Inspired by French classicism.
- Rococo: A precursor to the 19th-century Romantic revolution.
Example texts include “Two Yards and Seven Fingers” by Diego de Torres Villarroel and “Entertainment for the People” by Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos.
Literature and Institutions in 18th-Century Spain
The eighteenth century witnessed the emergence of academies, which were initially private associations with statutes and proceedings. Key official institutions (Royal Academies) included:
- Academy of Good Taste.
- Royal Spanish Academy: Founded by the Marquis of Villena in 1714. It produced the first grammar and the “Diccionario de Autoridades” (Dictionary of Authorities).
- Spanish Academy of History.
- National Library of Spain: Founded by Felipe V in 1712.
Trends of 18th-Century Spanish Poetry
Poetry in the eighteenth century encompassed three different styles:
- Baroque Poetry: Following the style of great authors such as Lope de Vega, Góngora, and Quevedo.
- Rococo Poetry: Reaching its peak around 1765, it synthesized Renaissance formulas (simplicity, naturalness) with Enlightenment ideals (rationalism, departure from the popular). Verses often featured landscapes, with water as an essential element. Key themes included love and feminine beauty.
- Neoclassical Poetry: Differing from Rococo, it featured solemn speeches before a cultured audience.
- First or Pre-Romantic Poetry: The author’s emotions began to appear in the verses. Sample texts: “Two Visions of the Love of Lope de Vega” and “A Lover from His Love” by Nicasio Álvarez de Cienfuegos.
The Controversial Drama of the 18th Century
While the dramatic genre in the seventeenth century was closer to society, in the eighteenth century, it became a subject of controversy. In his *Poetics*, Luzán defended the principles of renewal that should govern the genre:
- Return to the rule of three unities.
- Elimination of the subplot.
- Reason should prevail.
- “Moral character” should provide delight.
A prominent work in neoclassical theater is *El sí de las niñas* (*The Maidens’ Consent*) by Leandro Fernández de Moratín (1760-1828).
Two Illustrated Literary Contributions
Two significant literary developments arose from the postulates of the Enlightenment:
- The controversy over theater: The debate on the moral desirability of the show led to the emergence of neoclassical comedy. It wasn’t until 1806, with the premiere of *El sí de las niñas* by Leandro Fernández de Moratín, that the new kind of comedy triumphed.
- The essay: The need to disseminate knowledge in an accessible way led to the rise of the essay, a genre with precedents in Plato’s dialogues and Montaigne’s essays. Notable figures in this genre include José Cadalso, with *Cartas Marruecas* (*Moroccan Letters*), and the writings of Jovellanos.