20th Century Valencian Poetry: A Literary Renaissance
Poetry and the 20s and 30s
These years represent a rich and complex period in Valencian literature, marked by a flourishing of publishing networks and magazines, the emergence of modern critics, and growing international recognition. From a literary perspective, this era is characterized by a desire for innovation and engagement with the international context. Surrealism and post-symbolist poetry thrived during this time.
Three Historical Periods:
Dictatorship of Primo de Rivera (1923-1930):
Catalonia’s autonomy was suppressed, and cultural creation was supported through patronage. The Second Republic emerged during this period.
Second Republic (1931-1939):
A radical shift occurred, creating a more favorable environment for the modernization of Valencia. A new literary group, including Carles Salvador and Miquel Duran de València, formed around the magazine “Letras Valencianas.”
Civil War (1936-1939):
The war’s upheaval created a distinct framework, and literature reflected the social concerns of the time.
Key Figures in Valencian Poetry
Carles Riba (1893-1959):
Riba was deeply influenced by Symbolism, evident in his commitment to enriching Catalan culture through translations of classic and modern authors. He was a member of the Institut d’Estudis Catalans (IEC) and greatly admired Paul Valéry. During his exile in France with Clementina Arderiu, he wrote “Elegies de Bierville,” introducing religious themes that continued in his later works. He continued writing and translating throughout the war.
Clementina Arderiu (1889-1976):
Arderiu, married to Carles Riba, went into exile with him after the Civil War. Her notable works include “Cançons i elegies” (1916), which blends traditional songs with Noucentisme elements. Other significant works explore themes of love, joy, death, motherhood, and rebellion.
Early 20th Century Valencian Poetry
Generació 1909:
This group of poets recognized the aesthetic value of Teodor Llorente and opposed the Jocs Florals (floral games). They sought to revitalize national culture and were influenced by Modernism. Prominent figures include Miquel Duran de València, Josep Maria Bayarri, and Daniel Martínez Ferrando.
Miquel Duran de València (1880-1947):
Duran was a prominent journalist and poet in Valencia and Catalonia. His most important poetic works include “Cordes vibrants,” “Himnes i poemes,” and “Cançons de València.” He also wrote plays and essays. His politically charged work “Guerra, victòria demà” reflects his support for the Catalan cause, drawing comparisons with Miguel Hernández. His themes include the suffering caused by war, political slogans, and the defense of land, language, people, and freedom.
Generation of 1930:
This group, associated with the magazine “Taula de Lletres Valencianes,” focused on the recovery and standardization of Catalan in Valencia. They published “La República de les Lletres” and signed the Normes de Castelló in 1932. Notable members include Enric Navarro Borràs, Carles Salvador, Francesc Almela i Vives, and Bernat Artola.
Carles Salvador (1893-1955):
Salvador played a crucial role in Valencia’s cultural and linguistic revival. His work spanned education, creative writing, and the dissemination of Pompeu Fabra’s grammatical and spelling rules. He signed the Normes de Castelló and participated in the Second International Congress of Antifascist Intellectuals. His work can be divided into three stages: the formative stage influenced by Llorente, focusing on landscape, people, and customs; the rebellion period, beginning in 1923 with the publication of “Plàstic,” combining traditional and innovative resources and influenced by Symbolism; and the war stage, exploring diverse themes with a style rooted in Llorentisme.
Francesc Almela i Vives (1903-1967):
Born in Vinaròs but active in Valencia’s cultural life, Almela i Vives was a member of the Taula de Lletres Valencianes and a signatory of the Normes de Castelló. His poetry is characterized by irony and formal precision. In “Joujou” and “Espill,” he uses humor and metaphor, often satirizing the Llorentine aesthetic. Other important poems include “Columna i les roses” and “Taronges amargues,” which incorporate an element of ridicule.
Bernat Artola (1890-1971):
Artola, known for writing the proclamation that initiated the Magdalena festivities in Castellón, was a key figure in the city’s cultural scene. He participated in the Second International Congress of Antifascist Writers. His poetry shows the influence of Ausiàs March. His work is characterized by an appreciation for tradition, the cultural stereotypes of rural society, the integration of classical elements, and the influence of Romanticism. In his popular poetry collections (e.g., “Festívoles,” “Poble,” “Lledoner”), he explores themes of family, childhood, names, and professions with irony. Landscape, symbolizing homeland, is another recurring theme. Before the war, he published “Cançons d’amor” (1926), “Elegies” (1928), and “Terra” (1935). Postwar works include “Festívoles” (1941), “Llum vivent” (1947), and “Gent” (1947).