Catalan Literature: Romanticism to Modernism
Catalan Literature: From Romanticism to Modernism
Romanticism (late 18th – mid 19th century)
Context:
- Emerged as a reaction against Neoclassicism.
- Influenced by the French Revolution (1789-1792).
- Championed freedom, individualism, emotion, and imagination.
Characteristics:
- Rejection of rigid rules in art.
- Emphasis on passion, feeling, and subjectivity.
- Exaltation of nature and the individual.
- Interest in the Middle Ages and national identity.
The Catalan Renaissance (mid 19th century)
Beginnings:
- Marked by the publication of “La Pàtria” by Bonaventura Carles Aribau in 1833.
- Renewed interest in the Catalan language and culture.
Key Figures:
- Jacinto Verdaguer: Epic poet known for “L’Atlàntida” and “Canigó”.
- Àngel Guimerà: Playwright known for “Terra Baixa” and “Maria Rosa”.
- Narcis Oller: Novelist who introduced realism and naturalism with works like “La Papallona” and “La Febre d’Or”.
Jacinto Verdaguer (1842-1902)
Works:
- Patriotic poetry: “Pàtria” (1888).
- Religious poetry: Expressed his faith through poems.
- Epic poetry: “L’Atlàntida” (1877) and “Canigó” (1885).
- Prose: “Dietari d’un pelegrí a Terra Santa”.
Àngel Guimerà (1845-1924)
Literary Work:
- Stage 1 (1879-1890): Romantic tragedies like “Gal·la Placídia” and “Mar i Cel”.
- Stage 2 (1890-1900): Introduced realism in works like “La Boira” and “Maria Rosa”.
- Stage 3 (1900-1921): Continued success with plays like “La Santa Espina” and “La Reina Jove”.
Narcis Oller (1846-1930)
Works:
- “La Papallona” (1882): Introduced realism.
- “L’Escanyapobres” (1884): Naturalistic novel.
- “La Febre d’Or” (1890-92): Depicted social and economic change.
- “Pilar Prim” (1906): Psychological novel.
Modernism (late 19th – early 20th century)
Stages:
- Formative Years (1888-1900): Aggressive and programmatic.
- Consolidation and Triumph (1900-1911): Became a more bourgeois movement.
Key Figures:
- Joan Maragall: Poet known for “Visions & Cants” and “Cant Espiritual”.
- Victor Català (Caterina Albert i Paradís): Author of “Solitud” and “Drames Rurals”.
Joan Maragall (1860-1911)
Poetic Work:
- Influenced by Nietzsche and Ibsen.
- “Visions & Cants” (1900): Modernist work.
- “Enllà” (1906): Nature-inspired poems.
- “Sequences” (1911): Includes “Cant Espiritual”.
Victor Català (Caterina Albert i Paradís) (1869-1966)
Life and Work:
- Adopted the pseudonym Victor Català due to societal constraints.
- “L’Infanticida” (1898): Controversial work that won a literary prize.
- “Drames Rurals” (1902-1907): Collection of rural tragedies.
- “Solitud” (1905): Her most famous novel.
Modernism Timeline
1st Stage (1888-1900):
- 1888: 1st Barcelona Universal Exposition.
- 1892: 1st Modernist Festival in Sitges.
- 1897: Opening of the “Els Quatre Gats” artistic gathering place.
2nd Stage (1900-1911):
- 1901: Foundation of the Regionalist League.
- 1906: Publication of “Els Fruits Saborosos” by Joan Maragall.
- 1909: Tragic Week in Barcelona.
- 1911: Deaths of Joan Maragall and Ramon Casellas, marking the end of Modernism’s peak.