20th-Century Spanish Poetry: From Social Realism to Culturalism
20th-Century Spanish Poetry
The Generation of ’50
The social poetry of the 1950s extended its influence through the 1960s. Its social, aesthetic, and historical significance is undeniable. However, the themes and forms began to evolve. While some authors continued with social realism, they sought new poetic avenues. The form of the poems gained importance, though the essential message remained vital. These poets explored diverse human subjects, while retaining their commitment to social issues. Born between 1925 and 1938, they experienced the Civil War’s hardships during their childhood. Although many began publishing in the 1950s, their artistic maturity arrived in the 1960s. They represent a logical continuation and development of the previous decade’s poets, whom they admired and read avidly.
Ángel González (1925-2008)
Ángel González is a key figure in the social poetry of the 1960s, continuing the themes of Celaya and Blas de Otero. Love is also prominent in his work. Harsh World (1955) marked his poetic debut with existentialist and socially committed themes. Without Hope, With Conviction (1961) explored Civil War memories and introduced irony as a literary tool. Irony became a hallmark of his style. Word on Word (1965) marked a shift with its focus on love. Treatise on Urbanism (1967) returned to social concerns. Prose or Less (1985) showcased his experimental side. He received the Prince of Asturias Award in 1985 and joined the Royal Spanish Academy in 1996.
Jaime Gil de Biedma (1929-1990)
Jaime Gil de Biedma’s poetry is sincere, honest, and concerned with daily life. His language is colloquial. Clarity and subtle irony characterize his work. His early poems appeared in In Case of Time (1953). Traveling Companions (1959) was his first major work. Morals (1966), influenced by Cernuda and Anglo-Saxon poets, showed increased lyrical intensity. He gradually shifted from social themes to love and time. People of the Verb (1975) collected his poems. His open homosexuality challenged the norms of Franco’s Spain. He advocated for gay rights until his death from AIDS in 1990.
Francisco Brines (1932-2021)
Like other poets of his generation, Francisco Brines explored themes of time, love, and death. His works include The Embers (1959), Words in the Dark (1967), Autumn of Roses (1987), and The Last Coast (1998). He joined the Royal Spanish Academy in 2001 and received numerous awards, including the National Critics Award (1967), the National Literature Prize (1987), and the National Prize of Spanish Literature (1999).
Claudio Rodríguez (1934-1999)
Claudio Rodríguez won the Adonais Prize with his first book, The Gift of Drunkenness (1953), showcasing his lexical richness and expressive mastery. His other works include Spells (1958), Alliance and Conviction (1965), Poetry (an anthology from 1953-1966), and Flight Celebration (1976). He joined the Royal Spanish Academy in 1987.
The ‘Novísimos’
Distanced from the Civil War, the ‘Novísimos’ generation moved away from social issues and explored new poetic paths. They looked to the Generation of ’27, particularly surrealists like Aleixandre and Lorca. They rejected realism, focusing on themes like love, skepticism, cultural references, and creative freedom. José María Castellet’s 1970 anthology, Nine Newest Spanish Poets, highlighted key figures: Vázquez Montalbán, Félix de Azúa, Pedro Gimferrer, Ana María Moix, Vicente Molina Foix, Guillermo Carnero, Leopoldo María Panero, José María Álvarez, and Antonio Martínez Sarrión. These poets drew inspiration from painting, music, architecture, international literature, and Modernism. They incorporated surrealist elements and mass media references, reflecting the consumer society.
Pedro Gimferrer (born 1945)
Pedro Gimferrer is a leading figure in the ‘Novísimos’ movement. Burning Sea (1966) won the National Poetry Prize when he was just 21. Death in Beverly Hills (1968) showcases cinematic influences. Poems (1963-1969) collects his work in Spanish. He joined the Royal Spanish Academy in 1985.
Guillermo Carnero (born 1947)
Guillermo Carnero’s intellectual background and cultural references exemplify the ‘Novísimos’ aesthetic. He and Gimferrer are sometimes called “Venetian poets” for their aestheticism. His works include Drawing of Death (1967), The Dream of Scipio (1971), Objective Chance (1975), and English Summer (1999), which won the National Poetry Award and National Critics Award in 2000.
Women’s Poetry
- Ernestina de Champourcin (1905-1999): Her lyrical work spans from before the Civil War to the 1980s, exploring human and divine love. Key works include In Silence, The Name You Gave Me, and Closed Letters.
- Carmen Conde (1907-1996): She published before the war, with works like Anxiety of Grace and Woman Without Eden. Love, war’s suffering, family, and women’s issues are recurring themes.
- Concha Zardoya (1908-1996): Her extensive work includes New World of Birds (1946). Her poetry is profound and humane, with precise language. Other works include Beneath the Light, Elegies, and Forms of Hope.
- Gloria Fuertes (1917-1998): Known for her diverse themes and direct, playful language, she often used humor and irony. She primarily wrote free verse. Her works include I Advise Drinking Thread, Who Art on Earth, Poet on Duty, and History of Gloria.
- Clara Janés (born 1940): Belonging to the generation of the ’70s, her poetry is characterized by rhythmic fluidity and beauty. She explores life, feelings, dreams, and emotions. Her works include Human Limit, Eros, Living, Lapidary, and Roses of Fire.