Generation of ’27: A Deep Dive into Spanish Poetry
Generation of ’27
Tradition and Avant-Garde
While exploring new avenues in poetry, the Generation of ’27 maintained a deep respect for Spanish literary traditions. They admired the poetic language of Luis de Góngora, drew inspiration from classic Spanish literature, and appreciated popular forms like ballads. Simultaneously, they were influenced by avant-garde movements, particularly Surrealism. Surrealist writers delved into the unconscious mind, seeking to achieve a form of absolute beauty that transcended reality.
Aesthetic Intention
The Generation of ’27 sought to capture beauty through imagery. Their aim was to eliminate anything from a poem that wasn’t beautiful, striving for pure poetry. They sought to represent reality without resorting to direct description, focusing solely on poetic expression.
Themes
Their poetry often explored fundamental human experiences such as love, death, and fate. They also drew inspiration from traditional folk songs, reflecting a connection to their cultural roots.
Style
The Generation of ’27 placed great emphasis on linguistic expression, crafting a language rich in lyricism.
Versification
They employed both traditional stanzas (e.g., romance, song) and classical forms (e.g., sonnet, triolet). They also embraced free verse, finding rhythm through the repetition of words, syntactic patterns, and parallel ideas.
Authors
Gerardo Diego (1896-1987)
Born in Santander, Gerardo Diego was a professor and a member of the Royal Spanish Academy. He received the National Prize for Literature in 1925. Much of his extensive poetic work revolves around traditional themes, exploring subjects like love, religion, and music through ballads and sonnets. His notable works include: The Ballad of the Bride, Image, Manual of Foam, Human Verses, Divine Verses, Landscape with Figures, Moral Odes, and Poetry of Creation.
Pedro Salinas (1892-1951)
Born in Madrid, Pedro Salinas was a professor of Spanish literature. He taught at various universities, including Cambridge and the University of San Juan in Puerto Rico. Love is the central theme of his work. His most important work, The Voice Due to You, is a long poem where the poet searches for his beloved beyond the real world. He also wrote Presagios, Fábula y Signo, La Razón de Amor, and Confianza.
Rafael Alberti (1902-1999)
Born in Puerto de Santa María, Cádiz, Rafael Alberti was a member of the Communist Party and politically active during the Spanish Civil War. He lived in exile in Argentina and Italy before returning to Spain after Franco’s death. In 1983, he received the Cervantes Prize. His early work, Marinero en tierra, reflects his nostalgia for his homeland. He also wrote The Dawn of the Wallflower and The Lover. In 1928, he published Sobre los ángeles, marking a departure from traditional poetic language and incorporating surrealist techniques.
Federico García Lorca (1898-1936)
Born in Fuentevaqueros, Granada, Federico García Lorca was a playwright and poet. He founded the traveling theater group La Barraca. In 1936, he was assassinated during the Spanish Civil War. His poetry is characterized by its originality, expressive power, and tragic tone. He drew inspiration from Andalusian folklore, often focusing on its melancholic aspects. His major works include Canciones, Romancero Gitano (Gypsy Ballads), and Poema del Cante Jondo. His plays explore themes of popular culture (Mariana Pineda) and female love and passion (Blood Wedding, The House of Bernarda Alba, Doña Rosita the Spinster).
Vicente Aleixandre (1898-1984)
Born in Seville, Vicente Aleixandre was a member of the Royal Spanish Academy and received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1977. His work often revolves around humanity, exploring themes of love, life, passions, feelings, and death with a pessimistic lens. His most famous poetry collections include Destrucción o amor, Sombra del paraíso, and Historia del corazón.
Miguel Hernández (1910-1942)
Born in Orihuela, Miguel Hernández came from a humble background. He was self-educated and became involved in the Spanish Civil War on the Republican side. He was imprisoned and died of tuberculosis in 1942. His poetry is passionate and vehement. His works include Perito en lunas, El rayo que no cesa, Viento del pueblo, Elegía a Ramón Sijé, and Cancionero y romancero de ausencias.