20th Century Literature and History
The 20th Century World
Technological Advances and Wars
The 20th century is marked by technological advances and significant wars:
- Russo-Japanese War (1905): Japan’s victory established it as a world power.
- World War I (1914-1918): Led to the establishment of the League of Nations.
- World War II (1940-1945): Resulted in the rise of the U.S. and Soviet Union as superpowers and the formation of the UN.
- Cold War (1947-1991): A conflict fought on political and economic fronts.
The century ended with globalization, transcending national boundaries.
Spain in the 20th Century
Spain experienced a period of crisis:
- Economy and Society: A largely rural society with limited industry and significant social differences led to the rise of socialism and anarchism.
- Politics: The loss of American colonies fueled political instability.
European Literature in the 20th Century
The 20th century began with a crisis of conscience and discontent with 19th-century realism. Several literary movements emerged:
- Parnassianism: Focused on formal beauty and escaping reality. Key author: Charles Baudelaire (Flowers of Evil).
- Decadence: Explored new artistic avenues, including the morbid and grotesque. Key author: Paul Verlaine (Saturnian Poems).
- Symbolism: Aimed to reach the depths of existence through imagination and symbols. Key author: Arthur Rimbaud (Illuminations).
Modernism
Modernism evolved from aestheticism towards social and existential concerns.
Origins
Early modernists drew inspiration from:
- Parnassianism: Technical perfection and escapism.
- Symbolism: Use of symbols and imagery.
Characteristics
- Themes: Use of exotic, unreal, or remote settings. Incorporation of mythical creatures, castles, and lush gardens.
- Meter: Adaptation of French metrical forms and use of traditional verses like the Alexandrine.
- Style: Blending of senses (synesthesia), alliteration, parallelism, and internal rhyme.
Spanish Modernism
Representative Authors
- Poetry: Manuel Machado (Whims and Souls), Antonio Machado (Solitudes and Loneliness, Galleries), Juan Ramón Jiménez (Lilies, Violet Souls, Sad and Timid Arias).
- Novel: Ramón María del Valle-Inclán (Sonatas, Memoirs of the Marquis of Bradomín).
- Theater: Eduardo Marquina (In Flanders the Sun Does Not Set, Morning Glory at Night), Valle-Inclán (Ashes, Divine Words).
Rubén Darío
Born in Nicaragua, Darío’s work as a journalist and diplomat spread modernism throughout Europe and America. His writing reflects his turbulent life, sensuality, intellectual friendships, and Romantic and Symbolist influences. Key works:
- Azul: Considered a pioneering work of modernism, showing Parnassian influence.
- Profane Prose: Rich language, innovative meter, alliteration, and synesthesia. Explores the theme of love in harmony with art.
- Songs of Life and Hope: Personal tone and concern for his people and their future.
The Generation of ’98
The crisis of the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to the Generation of ’98, a group of Spanish writers who sought to renew Spanish literature. Key characteristics:
- Idealism
- Revolt against political corruption
- Rediscovering Spanish culture (landscape, medieval writers, traditional language)
- Concise and elegant style
- Subjectivity
- Traditionalism
Key themes:
- Concern for Spain’s decline
- Interest in Spanish landscape, history, and culture
- Rediscovering Spanish values
Key authors:
- Miguel de Unamuno (Peace in War)