Generation of ’27: Spanish Literary Renaissance

Posted on Oct 13, 2024 in Latin

Generation of ’27: A Literary Overview

I. Defining Characteristics

The Generation of ’27, a group of young Spanish writers, shared a common bond of friendship and literary and cultural interests. Their name pays homage to a tribute to Góngora in 1927. Key characteristics include:

  1. University Education: Close friendships formed during their university years, with early publications predating their official formation. They actively participated in the Residencia de Estudiantes’ cultural scene, conducted research at the Center for Historical Studies, and published in shared journals.
  2. Liberal and Progressive Attitudes: They embraced open, progressive, and liberal political views. Their university education and global research exposed them to diverse literary influences. Their defense of the Republic led to exile or death.
  3. Modernization of Spanish Poetry: They sought an aesthetic balance between renewal and tradition, recognizing the need to integrate both immediate and distant literary inheritances, from both cultured and popular sources.

II. Evolution of the Group

The group’s evolution can be divided into three stages:

  1. Early Stages (Pre-1927): A focus on pure aesthetics, influenced by Juan Ramón Jiménez and early avant-garde movements like Ultraism and Creationism. This resulted in poems that were often perceived as tight and cold.
  2. Second Stage (1927-1936): A rehumanization of poetry emerged due to the influence of Surrealism, the political and social climate, and a cooling of relations with Jiménez. This period saw an exploration of subconscious feelings and a reflection of the realities of the time.
  3. Third Stage (Post-Civil War): The war shattered the group’s unity, though not their friendships. Lorca’s death led to exile or continued work in Spain for the remaining members. The re-humanization process intensified, with individual poetic paths emerging.

III. Representative Poets and Works

  1. Pedro Salinas (1891-1951): A literary critic and playwright, Salinas transitioned from pure poetry to become known for his love poems in works like The Voice Due to You and Reason of Love. His portrayal of love is anti-romantic, emphasizing joy and meaning in life.
  2. Jorge Guillén (1893-1984): A leading figure in pure poetry, known for expressive condensation and purification. His work is divided into two cycles: Cántico, a vitalist celebration of life, and Clamor, which addresses negative aspects of history while maintaining a non-pessimistic tone. His style is characterized by meticulous verse arrangement, precise language, and a focus on the essence of things.
  3. Gerardo Diego (1896-1987): Influenced by avant-garde movements, particularly Creationism, Diego’s poetry explored new forms while maintaining traditional themes. Notable works include The Ballad of the Bride, Picture, and Manual de Espumas.
  4. Dámaso Alonso (1898-1990): A renowned critic and philologist, Alonso’s pre-Civil War poetry reflected aesthetic concerns (Wind and Verse). Post-war, he became a representative of “rooted poetry,” expressing despair and existential angst (Sons of Wrath).
  5. Vicente Aleixandre (1898-1984): Awarded the Nobel Prize in 1977, recognizing the group’s contribution to Hispanic and global literature. Influenced by Surrealism (Swords as Lips and Destruction or Love), his later work shifted towards a more human-centered approach, exploring themes of fusion with nature and social injustice.
  6. Luis Cernuda (1902-1963): His collected works, The Reality and Desire, explore themes of frustration and the pain of unfulfilled desires. His poetry features unrequited love, the pursuit of beauty, and a simple, colloquial style that influenced later poets.