20th Century Spanish Novel: From Exile to Renewal
1. Novel in Exile
The Spanish Civil War led to the exile of numerous authors whose works explore themes such as the memory of the conflict and the experience of exile, particularly in Mexico. Key authors include:
- Ramón J. Sender: Known for Requiem for a Spanish Peasant, a realistic portrayal of a priest recalling a miller who died for his beliefs, and Chronicle of Dawn, an autobiographical work. Nancy’s Thesis offers a perspective on Spanish customs through the eyes of an American.
- Rosa Chacel: Influenced by Ortega y Gasset, Chacel collaborated with the journal Occidente. Her works include Memoirs of Leticia Valle, which explores themes of memory and seduction, and Marvellous Neighbourhood, a biographical account of her time in a Madrid suburb.
- Max Aub: Aub’s work focuses on the human condition in its moral and political dimensions. The Magic Labyrinth (also known as Fields) recreates the stages of the Civil War.
- Francisco Ayala: Ayala’s works address human problems, criticizing social and political aspects. Deaths in His Dog critiques human vices, while The Bottom of the Glass examines the corruption of the gentry.
2. Novel in the 1940s
Existential realism, including the “tremendista” style, dominated this period. Works reflect a pessimistic view of life, populated by frustrated characters. Key features include:
- Linear narrative structure
- Characters marked by frustration
- Pervasive existential angst
- Themes of loneliness, death, pessimism, and frustration
Camilo José Cela’s The Family of Pascual Duarte (1942) inaugurated the “tremendista” style with its brutal depiction of a death-row inmate’s autobiography.
Other notable authors of existential realism:
- Carmen Laforet: Nada portrays a young woman’s frustrated dreams in Barcelona’s hostile environment.
- Miguel Delibes: The Shadow of the Cypress is Long exposes the hypocritical morality of a provincial setting.
3. Novel in the 1950s
A tentative relaxation of the Franco dictatorship allowed authors to reflect on the Spanish situation. Social realism emerged, characterized by:
- Focus on Spanish society, both urban and rural
- Characters unable to understand or transform reality
- Action occurring within a short timeframe
- Detailed character descriptions
- Objective narrative style with a diminished narrator and linear structure
Key authors:
- Camilo José Cela: The Hive presents a multifaceted portrait of humanity through the interwoven stories of over 200 characters.
- Miguel Delibes: The Road depicts rural life through the eyes of Daniel, “the Owl,” on his last night in his village.
- Rafael Sánchez Ferlosio: The Jarama follows a group of young people on a riverside outing, exploring trivial conversations and the tragedy of a drowning.
- Carmen Martín Gaite: Between Curtains portrays the provincial atmosphere of Salamanca through the perspective of a young teacher.
- Ignacio Aldecoa: The Braves denounces the harsh lives of farmworkers trapped in a cycle of poverty.
4. Novel in the 1960s
The experimental novel gained prominence, focusing on language and innovative narrative techniques:
- Disruption of linear order
- Use of perspectivism
- Interior monologue
- Emphasis on dialogue and interplay of direct and indirect styles
Key authors:
- Luis Martín Santos: Time of Silence blends various styles, perspectivism, and interior monologue to reflect on the hardships of life in Spain.
- Juan Marsé: Last Evenings with Teresa critiques the bourgeois class, while The Golden Panties offers a satirical look at Spanish history.
- Miguel Delibes: Five Hours with Mario presents Carmen’s monologue as she speaks to her deceased husband.
- Camilo José Cela: San Camilo, 1936 depicts the first day of the Civil War through the eyes of its protagonists.
- Juan Goytisolo: Marks of Identity explores Spanish society and its history through a protagonist struggling with amnesia.
- Juan Benet: Return to Región
- Gonzalo Torrente Ballester: The Saga/Escape of J.B.
5. Novel in the 1970s
The Spanish novel underwent a renewal in the early 1970s, marked by the publication of Eduardo Mendoza’s The Truth about the Savolta Case (1975). The “Generation of ’68” emerged, emphasizing plot and incorporating both new and traditional narrative techniques. Diverse trends flourished, including intrigue, fantasy, testimonial, psychological, and historical novels.