Generation of ’27: Poets, Traits, and Evolution
Generation of ’27: A Defining Poetic Group
The Generation of ’27 refers to an influential group of Spanish poets who rose to prominence in the 1920s. This group significantly impacted Spanish literature, blending traditional forms with avant-garde techniques.
Key Members of the Generation of ’27
The core members of this literary movement include:
- Pedro Salinas
- Vicente Aleixandre
- Federico García Lorca
- Rafael Alberti
- Jorge Guillén
- Gerardo Diego
- Dámaso Alonso
- Luis Cernuda
- Emilio Prados
- Manuel Altolaguirre
Unifying Factors and Common Traits
Several factors and circumstances united these poets:
- Birth Dates: Most were born between 1891 (Pedro Salinas) and 1905 (Manuel Altolaguirre).
- Similar Intellectual Background: Many were university-educated, some were teachers, and almost all lived at the Residencia de Estudiantes in Madrid. They contributed to the same journals, such as Revista de Occidente, La Gaceta Literaria, and Litoral.
- Influence of Juan Ramón Jiménez and the Avant-Garde: They were greatly influenced by poet Juan Ramón Jiménez and the avant-garde movements.
- Reclaiming Luis de Góngora’s Legacy: They championed the poetry of Luis de Góngora, admiring his pure poetic language and formal perfection. In 1927, they met to commemorate the tercentenary of Góngora’s death, holding a series of events, most notably at the University of Seville, where they first publicly read their poems.
- Inclusion in Gerardo Diego’s Anthology: Gerardo Diego included them in his 1932 anthology of poetry.
- Respect for Literary Tradition: They did not rebel against the previous generation and respected the Spanish literary tradition.
- Shared Desire for Poetic Renewal: While possessing unique styles, they shared a common goal to renew poetic language.
- Balance and Harmony: They sought balance between opposing trends, such as emotion and reason.
- Poetry as Intellectual Craft: They viewed poetry as a product of intellect and careful craftsmanship.
- Art for Minorities and Majorities: They aimed to create art valid for both select groups and the wider public.
- Blending Tradition and Modernity: They combined elements of traditional gatherings, popular culture, avant-garde, elitism, clarity, and universal Spanish themes.
- Embracing Past Generations: They drew inspiration from previous generations and the symbolist poetry of Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer.
- Passion for Classical Authors: They admired classical authors like Garcilaso de la Vega, San Juan de la Cruz, Fray Luis de León, Francisco de Quevedo, Lope de Vega, and especially Luis de Góngora.
Evolution of the Generation of ’27: Three Stages
Their evolution can be broadly divided into three phases:
- First Phase (until 1927): This period was marked by the influence of Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, Modernism, and avant-garde movements like Cubism and Ultraism. There was also a strong influence of traditional lyrical poetry and popular songs. They were influenced by the “pure poetry” of Juan Ramón Jiménez, aiming to eliminate narrative and sentiment.
- Second Phase (1927 to the Spanish Civil War, 1936): A shift occurred towards re-humanization, moving away from the previous dehumanized formalism. They began to explore human and existential themes like love, the desire for fulfillment, and social concerns. Some became interested in politics, supporting the Republic. Many adopted techniques and themes of Surrealism, particularly the surrealist metaphor.
- Third Stage (Post-1939, after the Civil War): The group was shattered by the war. Federico García Lorca was executed in 1936, and other writers were scattered. Luis Cernuda, Rafael Alberti, Pedro Salinas, and Jorge Guillén went into exile, often making politics a central theme. Those who remained in Spain, such as Gerardo Diego, Dámaso Alonso, and Vicente Aleixandre, wrote poetry reflecting existential anguish. Exiled poets often focused on universal human themes and nostalgia for Spain, while those in Spain often expressed anguished humanism.