Catalan Literature 1920s-30s: Riba, Sagarra, Pla

Posted on Apr 26, 2025 in English Studies

Catalan Literature: 1920s-1930s (‘Sacrificed Generation’)

This generation’s literature reflects the consequences of the Spanish Civil War. Writers followed European trends and often reacted against the preceding avant-garde movements.

After Noucentisme, two main poetic trends emerged:

  • Pure poetry: Influenced by Symbolism (e.g., Carles Riba, Marià Manent).
  • Neopopularist poetry: Inspired by folklore, traditional forms, and genres (e.g., Josep Maria de Sagarra).

Historical Context

The global crisis of capitalism led some to view communism as a viable alternative economic and social model in Europe.

Key Authors

Carles Riba (1893-1959): Poet

Riba was initially influenced by Eugeni d’Ors and the mastery of Josep Carner. His early poems show the influence of Maragall. His first book, Estances (Stanzas, 1919), already points towards the influence of pure Symbolist poetry. In 1930, he published the second book of Estances, which deepens his exploration of pure poetry under the influence of French Symbolism. Central themes include love and metaphysical meditation on the passage of time. He also dedicated himself to translation, covering both classical and modern authors.

Josep Maria de Sagarra (1894-1961): Playwright

Sagarra belonged to a family of minor Barcelona aristocracy. From an early age, he felt attracted to Barcelona’s cultural life, especially literary gatherings. He initially intended to join the diplomatic corps but eventually abandoned his studies to dedicate himself to journalism and literature.

Between the ages of twenty and twenty-five, he published several works, including poetry, drama, and narrative. In 1914, he published his first book of poems; in 1917, his first play, Rondalla de l’esparver (Tale of the Sparrowhawk), premiered; and in 1919, he published his first novel, Paulina Buxareu. His best-known poetry book is Cançons de rem i de vela (Songs of Oar and Sail, 1923). He also gained prominence as a journalist (including advertising), translator, and narrator. His most famous novel is Vida privada (Private Life).

His best-known plays include L’Hostal de la Glòria (The Hostel of Glory, 1931), El cafè de la Marina (The Cafe by the Marina, 1933), and La Rambla de les Floristes (The Rambla of the Flower Sellers, 1935). Sagarra was a prolific author with a fluent style and great literary facility. After the Civil War, he changed his register, writing prose and drama that was more intellectualized and no longer coincided as closely with popular tastes.

Characteristics of Sagarra’s Works:

  • Cultivated works with a very rich style.
  • Aimed at all social classes, seeking to fill theaters.
  • Described conflicts, often among the bourgeoisie, but typically resolved positively (aiming to entertain).

Josep Pla (1897-1981): Essayist and Journalist

The son of small landowners from Palafrugell on the Costa Brava, Pla studied law but found his vocation in journalism and literature. He entered journalism early, working for newspapers like Las Noticias, La Veu de Catalunya, and La Publicitat, serving as a correspondent in Paris, Madrid, and Rome.

Pla was highly descriptive and followed historical realism, capturing detailed observations of everyday life and society; objectivity was crucial to his method. His style was straightforward, yet he carefully revised every word. His writing often started from a memory or anecdote, concluding with a personal reflection.

Language and Lexicon Notes

Vocabulary Definitions

Scrutinize:
To examine minutely.
Arc-lamps:
Lamps producing light via a luminous electric arc.
Noise:
Confusing sound.
Take off:
Remove or depart.
Howl:
Cry out with prolonged shouts or sounds.

Grammar Points (Subordinate Clauses)

  • Adverbial Clauses: Indicate circumstances like place (where) or time (when).
  • Noun Clauses: Function as nouns, often introduced by words like that or what.
  • Adjective Clauses: Function as adjectives, modifying nouns, often introduced by relative pronouns like who (for people) or which/that (for things).

Spelling/Word Choice (Catalan Examples)

Notes on potentially confusing words (likely referring to Catalan):

  • Distinctions like més (more) vs. mes (but/month).
  • Gender agreement: altre (other, masc.) vs. altra (other, fem.).
  • Pronouns/Determiners: la resta (the remaining – collective), ningú (nobody), cap (no/any).
  • Homophones: conte (story/tale), comte (count – peerage), compte (account/count – action).

Vocabulary and Expressive Resources (Scientific Language)

  • Precision: Designating objects or concepts accurately, avoiding vagueness.
  • Succinctness: Avoiding unnecessary words; conveying meaning concisely.
  • Objectivity: Scientific language aims for emotional neutrality, avoiding subjective connotations and often using impersonal forms.
  • Universality: Scientific terminology often relies on standardized nomenclature understandable across languages.

Formation of Scientific Lexicon

  • Borrowing: Incorporating words from other languages (e.g., cortex, in vitro).
  • Abbreviation: Shortened forms (e.g., Alt., C).
  • Acronyms and Initialisms: Formed from initial letters (e.g., transistor, modem, radar, UCL, DNA).
  • Symbols: Standardized representations (e.g., W, H2O).
  • Clipping: Shortening words (e.g., echo, stereo, kilo).
  • Compounding: Combining words (e.g., fatty acid, sunflower).
  • Derivation: Adding affixes (e.g., adrenal, defibrillator).
  • Semantic Shift: Giving a new meaning to an existing word.