Catalan Literature Revival (Renaixença): A Romantic Movement
Catalan Literature Revival (Renaixença): 1833-1877
Introduction
The Renaixença (Catalan for “rebirth”) refers to the period of revival of Catalan language and literature between the decline of Neoclassicism and the rise of Modernism (approximately 1833-1877). This movement, emerging in opposition to the perceived decline of Catalan culture, was intrinsically linked to a growing sense of Catalan nationalism that gained political momentum in the late 19th century. The Renaixença was a multifaceted movement encompassing various cultural and ideological perspectives, ultimately leading to the recovery of Catalan society, language, and literature.
Causes of the Renaixença
Socio-economic Factors
- The Industrial Revolution spurred economic growth in the late 18th century, giving rise to a new powerful class: the industrial bourgeoisie. This occurred earlier in Catalonia compared to the rest of Spain.
- The Catalan bourgeoisie sought to protect their economic interests, leading to a demand for greater cultural and political autonomy.
Cultural and Intellectual Factors
- Scholars and researchers fostered interest in Catalan history, language, laws, and institutions.
- The French occupation of Catalonia during the Napoleonic Wars led to the increased use of Catalan in official settings.
- The spread of Romanticism across Europe, with its emphasis on individual and national freedom, further fueled the desire for Catalan cultural revival.
Romanticism in Catalonia
Romanticism, a reaction against Neoclassicism, emerged in the late 18th century in Germany and England. It was closely associated with revolutionary and liberal nationalist movements of the 19th century. Romantic ideals were introduced to Spain, including Catalonia, through European magazines and literature.
Types of Romanticism in Catalonia
- Liberal Romanticism: Championed freedom in all aspects and aligned with progressive liberal policies. It drew inspiration from French writers like Victor Hugo and Alexandre Dumas. This trend did not prioritize the use of Catalan as a prestigious language.
- Conservative Romanticism: Associated with moderate political views and characterized by historicism. It looked to writers like Walter Scott, Chateaubriand, and Manzoni as models. This trend advocated for the use of Catalan in all spheres, including literature.
Features of Romantic Literature
- Discontent with the present and a yearning for an idealized world.
- Nostalgia for the past and a tendency to romanticize history.
- Nationalism and the exploration of history to awaken national identity.
- Emphasis on nature and its connection to human emotions.
- Subjectivity and the expression of personal feelings and desires.
The Renaixença: Impact and Authors
Lo Gaiter del Llobregat (1841), a collection of poems by Joaquim Rubió i Ors, is considered the manifesto of the Renaixença. The term “Renaixença” gained prominence with the project to restore the Catalan language (1870) and the publication of a magazine titled Renaixença.
Bonaventura Carles Aribau (1798-1862)
Aribau’s poem “Oda a la Pàtria” (“Ode to the Homeland”), published in 1833, marked the beginning of the Renaixença. This poem, written in Catalan after years of disuse in literature, expressed a longing for Catalonia’s past glories and advocated for the language’s revival.
Timeline of the Renaixença
The Renaixença writers, influenced by Romantic ideals, aimed to:
- Reconstruct medieval history.
- Rediscover and promote classical medieval literature and folklore.
- Standardize the Catalan language.
- Revive all literary genres.
Despite facing challenges due to the language’s marginalized status, they promoted the creation of publishing houses, the republication of periodicals, and the revival of the Floral Games.
Floral Games (Jocs Florals)
The Floral Games, poetry contests dating back to the 14th century, were revived in 1859 and became a crucial platform for the Renaixença. They provided a space for Catalan writers to showcase their talent and gain recognition, contributing significantly to the movement’s consolidation.
Romantic Poetry
Poetry became the dominant genre during the Renaixença. Key characteristics include:
- Evocation of the historical past to promote national pride.
- Celebration of the landscape and local patriotism.
- Interest in folk poetry and the use of Catalan as the primary language.
- Use of classical strophic forms and themes of love and religion.
Jacint Verdaguer (1845-1902)
Considered the creator of modern Catalan literature, Verdaguer’s work solidified the achievements of the Renaixença. He wrote primarily in verse but also produced prose, focusing on themes of God, Catalonia, and nature.
Epic Poetry
- L’Atlàntida: A major work of Romantic epic poetry, narrating the mythical disappearance of Atlantis.
- Canigó: Considered his best work, blending medieval legends with popular and historical elements to explore the origins of Catalonia.
Lyric Poetry
Expressed nationalist and religious sentiments, drawing inspiration from Catalan traditions and legends.
Prose
Included travelogues, newspaper articles, and folkloric narratives.
19th-Century Prose
One of the significant challenges for Catalan literature was the lack of a novelistic tradition. L’Orfeneta de Menàrguens (1862) marked the beginning of the Catalan novel in the 19th century.
Romantic Narrative
Initially influenced by Walter Scott’s historical novels, Catalan authors gradually shifted from Spanish themes and language to focus on Catalan history and language.
The Historical Novel
Popularized by authors like Alexandre Dumas and Walter Scott, this genre gained traction in Catalonia with works like L’Orfeneta de Menàrguens, set during the 15th-century Catalan Civil War.
The Serial Novel (Fulletó)
A sentimental narrative characterized by episodic structure, dramatic situations, and clearly defined good and evil characters. Its popularity declined as reader interest waned.
Costumbrism
A transitional genre between Romantic and Realist narratives, Costumbrism focused on depicting everyday life and customs, often with a nostalgic tone. It played a crucial role in establishing Catalan as a literary language.
Realism and Naturalism
Realism emerged as a reaction against the romanticized past, aiming to portray reality objectively. Catalan realist novels often depicted rural environments and social issues, sometimes with a moralizing purpose.
Narcís Oller (1846-1930)
Considered the creator of the modern Catalan novel, Oller’s work transitioned from Romanticism to Realism and Naturalism. He meticulously observed and analyzed the people and society around him.
Notable Works
- La Papallona (1882): A novel exploring the tragic consequences of social inequality.
- L’Escanyapobres (1884): A naturalist novel depicting the destructive power of greed in a rural community.
- Vilaniu (1885): A social critique of rural life.
- La Febre d’Or (1890-1892): Oller’s most significant work, exploring the moral decay caused by rapid wealth accumulation during the industrial boom.
- La Bogeria (1898): A psychological study of mental illness and its impact on society.
- Pilar Prim (1906): A modernist novel focusing on a young widow’s struggle for independence and love.
19th-Century Theater
Initially dominated by Romantic dramas in Spanish, Catalan theater gradually embraced Catalan themes and language in the mid-19th century. The rise of local theaters, like the Teatre Romea in Barcelona, further supported the development of Catalan drama.
Theater in Mallorca
Short comedic sketches, known as “Sainets”, were popular in Mallorca during the Romantic era. These satirical pieces often featured characters and settings from everyday life, using colloquial language and dialect.
Frederic Soler (1839-1895)
A prominent playwright and theater entrepreneur, Soler achieved success with his Romantic dramas in the latter half of the 19th century.
Àngel Guimerà (1845-1924)
Guimerà’s work evolved from Romantic aesthetics to incorporate elements of Realism and, later, a return to Romantic themes. His personal life, including his status as an illegitimate child and his upbringing in the Canary Islands before moving to Catalonia, influenced his writing.
Notable Works
- Romantic Tragedies: Gala Placídia (1879), Judit de Welp (1883), Mar i cel (1888).
- Realistic Dramas: La Polvora (1893), Maria Rosa (1894), Terra Baixa (1897), La filla del mar (1900).
- Later Works: Sol Solet (1901), Indibil i Mandoni (1917), Jesús que torna (1917), Per la Bona Gent (1926, posthumously completed).
Conclusion
The Renaixença marked a pivotal period in Catalan history, revitalizing the language and literature after a period of decline. Driven by a confluence of socio-economic factors and the influence of Romanticism, this movement laid the foundation for the flourishing of Catalan culture in the 20th century and beyond. The legacy of the Renaixença continues to resonate in contemporary Catalan literature and identity.