Early 20th-Century Spanish Novel: From Realism to Modernism
Early 20th-Century Spanish Novel
1. Overcoming Realism
In the early 20th century, the dominant style of the Spanish novel was a continuation of 19th-century Realism and Naturalism. These novels typically featured a linear narrative, an omniscient narrator, and a classical structure. However, young writers of the time sought to break away from this tradition and create something radically different.
Renewal: The Generation of ’98
Two main reactions emerged against the established realistic novel:
- Modernism: This movement aimed to create a novel dominated by formal and technical aspects, prioritizing aesthetics. Examples include the stories of Rubén Darío and Feminine (1895) by Valle-Inclán.
- The Generation of ’98: In 1902, four significant works were published in Spain: The Will by Azorín, Love and Pedagogy by Unamuno, The Path of Perfection by Baroja, and Autumn Sonata by Valle-Inclán. These novels marked a definitive break with the realistic style and initiated a path of innovation.
The writers of the Generation of ’98 were deeply affected by the crisis of values in the late 19th century. They believed that the Spanish-American War of 1898 and the loss of the last remnants of the Spanish Empire called for a moral, social, and cultural regeneration of the country. This break with the realistic narrative was reflected in several aspects:
- Subjectivism or Anti-Realism: Instead of accurately reproducing reality, these writers sought to express inner reality.
- Totalizing Design: The novel became a multifaceted genre that incorporated philosophical reflection, essays, and lyricism.
- Technical Innovations: The plot lost importance in favor of discourse, including perspectives, the supremacy of dialogue, changes in linear time, the appearance of collective characters, and the decreasing importance of the argument.
- Shift in Narrative Voice: The omniscient narrator gave way to other types of narrators who dissolved and allowed the characters to speak for themselves.
The literature of the Generation of ’98 was primarily concerned with four themes:
- Existential Issues: Human life and its meaning, loneliness, sadness, melancholy, love, and the absence of love.
- Religious Issues: Closely linked to existential concerns, the existence or non-existence of God, the problem of the soul and immortality, faith, reason, and the heart.
- Social Issues: These authors attempted to transform Spanish life, analyzing the causes of the country’s decline and the concrete problems of the early 20th century.
- Literary Issues: They attempted to define and adapt different genres to their purposes.
Unamuno (1864-1936)
Unamuno explored all genres, focusing on two major themes: the problem of Spain and the meaning of life. He used the novel to express and reflect on his obsessive ideas about religion, life, death, and conscience. He engaged in dialogues with his characters, challenging the reader and escaping traditional genre conventions. He coined the term “nivola” for his heterodox novels, which lacked environmental descriptions, character autonomy, and significant action.
In 1914, Unamuno published his best-known novel, Mist. The novel explores the relationship between life, literature, and the game of fiction and reality. Augusto Pérez, the protagonist, confronts his creator in an atmosphere of confusion. Some critics interpret the work as exploring the problem of a character’s freedom in relation to their creator.
Unamuno was also drawn to the theme of the struggle between brothers, as seen in his novel Abel Sánchez (1917), which explores envy and the impossibility of human coexistence. In 1921, he published Aunt Tula, which features a complex female character caught between desire and guilt. In 1930, he published Saint Manuel Bueno, Martyr, which explores the agonizing struggle of the individual, faith, and life as a dream.
Pío Baroja (1872-1956)
Baroja’s narrative production is organized into trilogies that follow common themes, including Madrid’s social classes, European cities, the Basque Country, the Carlist Wars, and existential conflicts. His novels are characterized by:
- A focus on a dominant character through whom we enter different environments.
- Plenty of action and dialogue, presenting different worldviews.
- The presence of the narrator through comments and reflections.
- Impressionistic descriptions of characters and settings.
- A natural and conversational style.
Valle-Inclán (1866-1936)
Valle-Inclán’s work is defined by two styles: modernism and the grotesque. His early period is marked by the modernist trend, represented by the four Sonatas, which feature the Marquis of Bradomín, a sort of Don Juan figure. These works are notable for their formal values and rich, refined prose. The central theme is love, but death and religion are also present.
In his later period, Valle-Inclán developed the grotesque style, degrading characters and actions. Tirano Banderas (1926) is a notable example, focusing on an alleged American dictator. The novel showcases Valle-Inclán’s mastery of language, incorporating Hispanic American phrases and expressions.
The Iberian Ruedo trilogy (1927-1932) also employs the grotesque style, reflecting Spanish history and life from the reign of Isabella II to the disaster of 1898.
Azorín (1873-1967)
Azorín’s novels feature fragmented narratives that capture moments in time. He conducted a thorough analysis of perception, influenced by impressionism, photography, film, and journalism. The Will (1902) is an example of an impressionist novel, with fragments of life and feelings.
In later works like Don Juan (1922) and Doña Inés (1925), Azorín focused on detailed descriptions of environments and characters’ sensitivities. These novels have minimal action, and the conflict centers on the characters’ personalities.
2. Novecentismo and the Avant-Garde
Other notable novelists of the early 20th century include:
- Wenceslao Fernández Flórez: His work, such as The Living Forest, represents a realistic trend with a humorous tone.
- Ramón Pérez de Ayala: His early novels have a strong autobiographical content, while his later works focus on intellectual reflections.
- Gabriel Miró: His early work was influenced by modernism, while his later novels feature elaborate prose and descriptions of feelings and atmospheres.
- Ramón Gómez de la Serna: Best known for his “greguerías,” his novels, such as White and Black Widow, explore specific themes like erotic relationships.
The early 20th century was a period of significant transformation in the Spanish novel, moving from the conventions of Realism and Naturalism towards new forms of expression, experimentation, and engagement with contemporary issues.