Analysis of Catalan Modernist Poems
The Cow Cega by Joan Maragall
External Structure
Written in 1895, “The Cow Cega” likely draws inspiration from Camprodon, located between Sant Joan and L’Abadia. This popular poem belongs to the Modernist movement, emphasizing nature. The blind cow symbolizes solitude, with the poet, as an artist, confronting a marginalized society and reflecting the cow’s experience.
About Joan Maragall
Born in 1860 to a wealthy Barcelona family, Maragall used writing as a refuge, finding inspiration in nature. He is a key figure in vitalism.
Modernisme (1891-1911)
This movement is characterized by modernization, Europeanization, and a focus on nature. It embraced regenerationism and saw poetry become a profession. A struggle between the bourgeoisie is also present. Many poems evoke feelings, smells, and sensory experiences.
Organization
- 23-verse stanza
- Part I: Verses 1-13
- Part II: Verses 14-20
- Part III: Verse 20 to the end
- 10 syllables per verse (decasyllables)
- Regular consonant rhyme
- Enjambment: 5, 14
- Enumeration: Verses 10, 11
- Alliteration: Verse 21
- Marked rhythm in the last three verses
- Comparison: Verse 15 to 21
- Polysyndeton: Verse 16
- Archaism: “Ses” (verse 10)
Ode to Spain
External Structure
This poem by Joan Maragall, from his book “Visions and Songs” (1900), falls under Modernism.
Theme
It focuses on the regeneration of Spain from a Catalan perspective, showing solidarity with those who have sons at war. The poem contains some spelling errors.
Internal Structure
Eight six-line stanzas: four decasyllables (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th lines) and two tetrasyllables (4th and 6th lines). Irregular rhyme with some free verse. It’s a monologue with rhetorical questions and the presence of “I.”
The Uncertain Cançonetes by Josep Carner
External Structure
Written by Josep Carner (1894-1970), a prominent 20th-century poet, this poem is from his book “The Cor Quiet” (1925). The title’s diminutive conveys affection.
Theme
It explores life’s unpredictability using a metaphor of songs, paths, and life itself.
Internal Structure
Three eight-verse stanzas, combining seven and four-syllable lines. Consonant rhyme scheme ABABCB. Vitalist poem with a contradiction between joy and sadness (verse 17). Rhetorical questions in verses 4, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20. Assertive tone in verses 21, 22.
La Balanguera by Joan Alcover
External Structure
Written by Joan Alcover (1854-1926), this poem is based on a traditional Majorcan song and belongs to 20th-century Modernism. Alcover initially wrote in Spanish but later switched to Catalan. “La Balanguera” became Mallorca’s anthem in 1996.
Theme
It reflects on time’s passage, symbolized by the Balanguera fairy spinning, and places hope in the future.
Internal Structure
Five six-line stanzas of octosyllabic verses, with a two-verse refrain, also octosyllabic. Rhyme scheme: 8A/8B/8A/8B/8C/8C / 8C/8C. It expresses hope for life while acknowledging the past and looking towards the future (“tix the banner of youth”). It uses comparisons (death, spider) and contrasts life and death with the seed of youth. “Tix” is an archaism. Tradition (past), hope (future), and the banner symbolize the homeland. It contrasts childhood and old age and uses parallel syntactic structures.