Generations of Spanish Literature: 1940-1970
Spanish Novel of the 1940s
Their works reflect the harshness of daily life and speak of uprooted and marginalized characters, whose concerns were inadequacy or sadness. This is known as the existential novel.
Works:
- *The Family of Pascual Duarte* (Cela)
- *Javier Mariño* (Torrente Ballester)
- *Nada* (Carmen Laforet)
- *The Shadow of the Cypress is Long* (Delibes)
Spanish Novel of the 1950s
Social realism appears, which includes:
- *The Light and the Blood* (Ignacio Aldecoa)
- *Among Curtains* (Carmen Martín Gaite)
- *The Jarama* (Ferlosio)
- *The Road* (Delibes)
- *The Hive* (Cela)
Spanish Novel of the 1960s and 70s
The narrative point of view is multiple. Sequences replaced chapters. Techniques like kaleidoscopic counterpoint or alternating sequences and multiple storylines appeared. Time becomes fragmented, using techniques like flashback. The second person and the interior monologue are used. Elements from outside the novel were introduced (announcements, reports, diagrams, typography).
Works:
- *Quiet Time* (Luis Martín Santos)
- *Identity* (Goytisolo)
- *The Saga / Drain JB* (Torrente Ballester)
- *If They Say I Fell* (Juan Marsé)
- *The Truth About the Case Savolta* (Eduardo Mendoza)
- *Mortal and Rosa* (Francisco Umbral)
Spanish Poetry of the 1940s
Two trends emerged: Rooted Poetry and Uprooted Poetry.
Rooted Poetry
Back to classical forms, Falangist ideology, and published in two journals. Themes included death, beauty, love, landscape, religion, purity, or country.
Authors:
- Leopoldo Panero
- José García Nieto
- Luis Rosales
- Dionisio Ridruejo (*La casa en*)
Uprooted Poetry
Themes from a religious existential point of view, focusing on the theme of man and the anguish of living. Rejected the harmony of classical forms and were inclined towards free verse and prose with colloquial language.
Authors:
- Victoriano Crémer
- Eugenio de Nora
- Carlos Bousoño
Later, two other trends appeared: Postismo and the Cancionero group.
Spanish Poetry of the 1950s
Solidarity: Poetry used to transform reality. Themes of Spain and social injustice were treated with a colloquial, prosaic, and straightforward style.
Authors:
- Gabriel Celaya
- José Hierro
- Blas de Otero (*Ángel fieramente humano*, *Pido la paz y la palabra*)
Spanish Poetry of the 1960s
Authors:
- Ángel González
- Francisco Brines
- Claudio Rodríguez
- José Ángel Valente
Barcelona School
Authors:
- Carlos Barral
- José Agustín Goytisolo
- Jaime Gil de Biedma
Spanish Poetry of the 1970s
They incorporated elements of mass culture (film, comic books, television, music) in which they were educated, and included references to exotic foreign writers or cities.
Authors:
- José María Álvarez
- Félix de Azúa
- Guillermo Carnero
- Pere Gimferrer
- Antonio Martínez Sarrión
- Ana María Moix
- Vicente Molina Foix
- Leopoldo María Panero
- Manuel Vázquez Montalbán
Spanish Theatre of the 1940s
Authors in Exile
Authors:
- Alejandro Casona (*La dama del alba*)
- Max Aub (*San Juan*)
In postwar Spain, entertainment comedy triumphed. A concern for craftsmanship resulted in ‘high comedy’ with traditional themes.
Authors:
- José María Pemán
- Edgar Neville
- Luca de Tena
- Alfonso Paso
Humorous Theatre
This theatre explored the comic possibilities of language and improbable situations, conveying a slightly absurd humor that revealed a sad vision of reality.
Authors:
- Enrique Jardiel Poncela (*Eloísa está debajo de un almendro*)
- Miguel Mihura (*Tres sombreros de copa*)
Spanish Theatre of the 1950s
Authors and Works:
- Antonio Buero Vallejo (*Historia de una escalera*)
- Alfonso Sastre (*Escuadra hacia la muerte*)
- Carlos Muñiz (*La tinta*)
- Lauro Olmo (*La camisa*)
- Martín Recuerda (*El Cristo de los Faroles*)
Spanish Theatre of the 1970s
New techniques were introduced. One of the pioneers was Fernando Arrabal, a key playwright of the Theatre of the Absurd (*El cementerio de automóviles*).