Catalan Literary Renaissance: From Romanticism to Modernism

Catalan Literary Renaissance

From Romanticism to Modernism

Early Romanticism (1830-1840)

The Renaixença, a cultural and literary movement in Catalonia, rediscovered Catalan culture and society. This period coincided with early Romanticism. Poetry predominated, with figures like J. Rubió i Ors publishing collections that marked the movement’s beginnings.

Consolidation (1850-1860): Romantic Realism

The Floral Games provided cohesion, serving as a platform for writers and promoting language standardization. Genres began to diversify.

Plenitude (1870-1880): Romantic Realism & Naturalism

Despite publishing challenges, Catalan literature flourished, particularly in periodicals. Costumisme, a genre depicting everyday life, gained popularity. Key figures included Jacint Verdaguer, Àngel Guimerà, and Narcís Oller.

Fullness and Crisis (1890): Realism & Naturalism

Modernism emerged in 1892, challenging established literary norms and the role of writers.

Predominance of Poetry

Early Renaixença poetry faced a lack of literary tradition. Poets expressed romantic nostalgia and focused on themes of the medieval world, nature, and mystery. They often used classic strophic forms.

Consolidation of the Renaixença

Floral Games fostered new writers, alongside satirical magazines. Jacint Verdaguer (L’Atlàntida), Àngel Guimerà (theater), and Narcís Oller (prose) became prominent figures.

Modernist Poetry

The Revolt Against the Floral Games

Modernist poetry arose in reaction to 19th-century poetry and the Floral Games. Modernists rejected artificial formalisms, advocating for linguistic authenticity and reflecting everyday life.

Symbolism

Influenced by European Symbolism, Catalan poets like Adrià Gual explored emotions and mystery. Joaquim Ruyra found inspiration in the sensations of external reality.

Vitalistic Poetry

In contrast to Symbolism’s inward focus, vitalistic poetry affirmed life and societal regeneration. Joan Maragall exemplified this trend.

Parnassianism

Jeroni Zanné championed Parnassianism, emphasizing technical perfection in poetry.

The Mallorcan School

Poets like Miquel Costa i Llobera and Joan Alcover focused on rhetoric and elegant language. Costa i Llobera viewed inspiration and form as inseparable. This school, with its focus on the Mallorcan landscape, foreshadowed Noucentisme.