Avant-Garde Movements and the Generation of ’27 in Spanish Literature
Avant-Garde Movements in Spanish Literature
Avant-garde movements, also called “isms,” tried to overcome rationality through the unconscious and the mind. Key movements include:
- Surrealism: Focused on the unconscious mind.
- Dadaism: Embraced the absurd and defended the art of chance.
- Ultraism: A reaction against modernism, emphasizing metaphor in novels and expressive language.
Spanish Isms
- Ultraism: Prominent writers included Juan Larrea, Gerardo Diego, and Rafael Cansinos Assens. They founded the magazine *Ultra*, advocating for the removal of technical jargon, rhyme, and traditional metaphors, seeking impactful imagery.
- Creationism: Founded by poets Juan Larrea, Gerardo Diego, and the Chilean poet Vicente Huidobro. Creationism posited that poetry should not imitate nature but create a unique reality.
The avant-garde writer Ramón Gómez de la Serna was noted for his literary gatherings and his unique literary form called “greguerías.”
The Generation of ’27
The Generation of ’27 was a group of poets born at the turn of the century who began their literary activity around 1927. Due to their quantity and quality, they were also referred to as the “Silver Age” of Spanish literature. This group had a strong connection to the Residencia de Estudiantes in Madrid and the study center of Menéndez Pidal.
Themes and Style of the Generation of ’27
- Death: A recurring theme, often showing resentment, influenced by both traditional and popular poetry, as well as avant-garde innovations.
- Landscape: Like the Generation of ’98, the poets of ’27 celebrated the Spanish landscape.
- Social Concerns: Having witnessed two World Wars and the Spanish Civil War, many poets condemned war and experienced exile.
Stylistic Features
- Use of popular metrics.
- Appreciation for the Golden Age of Spanish literature.
- Mastery of poetic language.
- Innovative use of metaphors.
Theater of the Period
Jacinto Benavente’s traditional bourgeois theater entertained with comedies of manners and vested interests. Other notable playwrights included the Álvarez Quintero brothers and Carlos Arniches. Innovative theater was represented by Ramón del Valle-Inclán, known for works like *Blood Wedding* and *Barren*. Federico García Lorca also contributed significantly to the theater of this period.
Key Figures of the Generation of ’27
Rafael Alberti
Born in Puerto de Santa María (Cádiz), Rafael Alberti was exiled during the Franco regime and returned to Spain with the arrival of democracy. He died in 1999 at the age of 97, the last surviving poet of the Generation of ’27. Along with Lorca, he best represents the neotraditionalist line of the group. His poetry is inspired by *cancioneros*, ballads, and lyrical sources. Alberti was also known for his politically engaged poetry. Notable works include *Sailor on Land*, *The Poet in the Street*, and *Between a Rock and a Carnation*. His memoirs are titled *The Lost Grove*.
Pedro Salinas
Born in Madrid, Pedro Salinas lived in Seville, Paris, and the USA. He was a university professor and had Luis Cernuda as a student. He developed his passion for literature both in poetic creation and literary criticism. Catherine R. Whitmore considered him a great poet of love. His works include *The Voice Due to You*, *Reason for Love*, and *Long Lament*.
Vicente Aleixandre
Born in Seville, Vicente Aleixandre studied in Málaga and Madrid. He published his first works in a literary magazine. After the Civil War, he remained in Spain and became a mentor to young postwar poets. His poetry is characterized by free verse and the philosophical depth and humanity of his themes. His work has three stages:
- Pure Poetry: Influenced by Juan Ramón Jiménez, the avant-garde, and Surrealism.
- Humanization: After the Civil War, his poetry shifted to social concerns and the common man’s life.
Notable works include *Swords Like Lips* and *Destruction or Love*. He was a member of the Royal Spanish Academy and received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1977.
Federico García Lorca
Born in Fuente Vaqueros (Granada), Federico García Lorca’s origin influenced the development of his work. From a young age, he was fond of art. He studied law in Madrid. In 1932, he founded La Barraca, a theater company. He was shot in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War. A genius of the Generation of ’27, he opened the way for neopopularism. His poems combine the surreal elements of the avant-garde with traditional poetry. Metaphors and symbols play an important role in his work. Notable works include *Gypsy Ballads*, *Poem of the Deep Song*, *Lament for Ignacio Sánchez Mejías*, and *Poet in New York*.