Mid-20th Century Spanish Poetry Movements and Poets
Spanish Poetry Before the 1950s
Arraigada Poetry (Rooted)
This group of poets was interested in the expression of beauty, religious themes, landscapes, and love. Their language was serene and classic. The preferred stanza was the sonnet. They were grouped in magazines like Escorial and Garcilaso. Key poets include Luis Rosales, Leopoldo Panero, and Luis Felipe Vivanco.
Desarraigada Poetry (Uprooted)
Born in contrast to the classical aesthetics of the Arraigados. A major milestone was the publication of Hijos de la ira (Sons of Wrath) by Dámaso Alonso, characterized by existential themes and anguish. The magazine Espadaña was associated with this group. Poets include González de Lama and Victoriano Crémer.
Social Poetry
This poetry addresses the injustice and harsh reality of human life. The poetic voice expresses solidarity and denunciation. Significant works include Cantos Íberos by Gabriel Celaya and Pido la paz y la palabra (I Ask for Peace and the Word) by Blas de Otero. These poets denounced the inequalities and injustices suffered at the time. Their desire was to transform the society they lived in.
Blas de Otero
Starting within the Arraigada movement, his work is divided into 3 stages:
- Stage 1 (Uprooted Poetry): Works like Ángel fieramente humano (Fiercely Human Angel) and Redoble de conciencia (Drumroll of Conscience), later merged into Ancia. The poet searches for an absent and indifferent God, weighed down by anguish and unease.
- Stage 2 (Social Poetry): Pido la paz y la palabra marks a shift towards social and supportive themes, addressing the masses (“la inmensa mayoría”). Spain becomes a central theme.
- Stage 3 (Later Period): Historias fingidas y verdaderas (False and True Stories), composed of various prose pieces.
Other Poets Before the 1950s
- León Felipe: An authentic voice of Spanish poetry in exile. His work, like Versos y oraciones de caminante (Verses and Prayers of a Wayfarer), often strips away decorative elements. Other works include Español del éxodo y del llanto (Spaniard of the Exodus and Lament) and Ganarás la luz (You Will Win the Light).
- Juan Gil-Albert: Exiled after the war, his verses show a marked commitment, characterized by profound ethical and human values. Notable work: Candente horror (Burning Horror).
- José Hierro: A poet known for his careful use of words. His extensive and exemplary poetry explores humanity, historical reality, lost paradise, culture, and poetry itself. Notable work: Cuaderno de Nueva York (New York Notebook).
Spanish Poetry from the 1950s to 1970s
(Continuation of the previous generation)
Characteristics
- Critical view of reality.
- Less dramatic tone than social poetry.
- Concern for a more sober, though careful, language.
- Return to intimacy.
- Presence of humor, sometimes irony or skepticism.
- Poetry understood not only as social communication but also as a form of personal experience and exploration of reality.
Ángel González
Known for his critical spirit and social commentary. Alongside complaint and collective testimony, his poetry is often linked to personal experience, frequently employing an ironic tone. Notable work: Áspero mundo (Harsh World).
Jaime Gil de Biedma
Offers a disenchanted, skeptical, and critical vision of the world and reality. Childhood and love are recurring themes. Notable work: Moralidades (Moralities).
Francisco Brines
Uses everyday language, approaching symbolism. Themes include love and the inevitable flow of time. Notable work: Las brasas (The Embers).
Claudio Rodríguez
Considered a great voice of his generation. Notable works: Don de la ebriedad (Gift of Drunkenness), Conjuros (Spells).
Antonio Gamoneda
Characterized by his depth. Notable work: Sublevación inmóvil (Motionless Insurrection).
The Novísimos (The Latest Ones)
This group experimented widely (“played with everything”).
Pere Gimferrer
Shows deep cultural and surrealist influences. Notable work: Arde el mar (The Sea Burns).
Guillermo Carnero
Notable work: Dibujo de la muerte (Drawing of Death).
Other Poets of the 1970s
Antonio Colinas
Associated with neo-Romanticism and known for the serenity of his poetry. His poems exhibit aestheticism, a desire for beauty, and classical inspiration. Notable works: Astrolabio (Astrolabe), Los silencios de fuego (The Silences of Fire).
Luis Alberto de Cuenca
Features intense and broad culturalism, ranging from classical to popular culture, sometimes erudite. Notable work: La caja de plata (The Silver Box).
Justo Jorge Padrón
(Mentioned as another poet of the era).
Female Poets
Ernestina de Champourcín
Themes include love and evocation. Notable work: En silencio (In Silence).
Carmen Conde
Notable work: Mujer sin Edén (Woman without Eden). Love is a central theme, evolving from surrealism to a transcendent vision. Explores the pain of womanhood.
Concha Zardoya
Known for great depth, humanity, and careful language. She portrayed various Spanish poets in her poems. Notable work: Debajo de la luz (Under the Light).
Gloria Fuertes
Her writing is characterized by humanity and tenderness, using direct, lively language, humor, puns, and ironic notes. Notable work: Aconsejo beber hilo (I Advise Drinking Thread).
Clara Janés
Belongs to the Generation of ’70. Themes include dreams (“sueño”) and emotion (“emoción”).