20th Century Spanish Literature
Major Authors and Works
Juan Ramón Jiménez
A central figure of modernism and a teacher to many Spanish poets, especially those of the Generation of ’27, Jiménez was admired for his dedication to precision and perfection in his poetic work. His poetic career can be divided into several stages:
- Early Pure Poetry: Characterized by simplicity and influenced by Bécquer, this style is evident in works like Arias Tristes and Jardines Lejanos.
- Modernism: Jiménez embraced modernism with its dazzling language and strong rhythms, reminiscent of Rubén Darío’s poetry. This is seen in Sonetos espirituales and Soledades.
- Naked Poetry: This style, free from any specific school or trend, is present in Diario de un poeta recién casado and Piedra y cielo, featuring short, emotive poems.
- Platero y yo: A unique work of poetic prose featuring a donkey, Platero, who dialogues with the poet during walks through Moguer.
Miguel de Unamuno
Unamuno’s diverse literary production includes essays, novels, poetry, and drama. His essays, such as En torno al casticismo and Del sentimiento trágico de la vida, explore themes of Spanish tradition, immortality, and the conflict between faith and reason. His novels often project his personal concerns:
- Abel Sánchez: Explores the theme of fratricide between two friends.
- Tía Tula: Deals with motherhood.
- San Manuel Bueno, mártir: Portrays the anguish of a priest who has lost his faith but continues to serve his parishioners.
Pío Baroja
A key figure of the Generation of ’98, Baroja is known for his novels dominated by action, intrigue, and adventure. Among his many works:
- La busca: Depicts the slums of Madrid.
- El árbol de la ciencia: A philosophical and autobiographical novel.
- Las inquietudes de Shanti Andía: Set in a maritime and Basque environment.
- Zalacaín el aventurero: A classic adventure novel.
José Martínez Ruiz (Azorín)
A close friend of Baroja and Maeztu, Azorín is considered the most representative writer of the Generation of ’98. His novels, often autobiographical, focus on descriptions of environments, landscapes, and characters, as seen in La voluntad and Confesiones de un pequeño filósofo.
Federico García Lorca
One of the most universal Spanish authors of the 20th century, Lorca is renowned for his poetic drama, including Mariana Pineda, La zapatera prodigiosa, Doña Rosita la soltera, Bodas de sangre, Yerma, and La casa de Bernarda Alba.
Antonio Machado
Machado’s poetic career can be divided into three stages:
- Intimate Modernism: Seen in Soledades, galerías y otros poemas, reflecting a personal approach to modernism.
- Concern for Castile and Spain: Campos de Castilla explores the Castilian landscape and expresses a patriotic concern for Spain.
- Philosophical Concerns: Nuevas canciones features short, reflective poems.
Ramón María del Valle-Inclán
Valle-Inclán’s work spans poetry, novels, short stories, and drama. His early works, such as the Sonatas, reflect modernist aesthetics. Later, he developed the esperpento style, a grotesque and caricatured representation of social and political reality, exemplified in Luces de bohemia.
Historical and Social Context
The early 20th century in Spain was marked by political instability, decline, and division. Key events include the disaster of 1898, the reign of Alfonso XIII, the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera, the Second Republic, and the outbreak of the Civil War.
Literary Movements
Several literary movements coexisted during this period:
- Modernism: Rejected the surrounding world and championed “art for art’s sake.”
- Generation of ’98: Engaged with the social and political issues of their time.
- Novecentismo: Emphasized intellectualism and European influences.
- Vanguard Movements: Experimented with new forms and styles.
- Generation of ’27: Combined avant-garde experimentation with tradition.
Literary Genres
Modernism favored poetry, while the Generation of ’98 focused on essays and novels. Theater also saw significant developments, with the bourgeois comedy of Jacinto Benavente, the poetic theater, the comic theater, and the innovative theater of Valle-Inclán and Lorca.