Modernism and the Generation of ’98 in Spanish Literature
Modernism and the Generation of ’98
The Novel
During this period, the Spanish novel explored new directions. The modernist novel, epitomized by Ramón María del Valle-Inclán, emerged as a significant force. Another development was the rise of the intellectualized novel, seen in the philosophical works of Miguel de Unamuno and the novels of Pío Baroja, which often portrayed a backward and miserable Spain.
Pío Baroja (1872-1956)
Born in San Sebastián, Pío Baroja spent much of his life in Madrid. He earned a doctorate in medicine with a thesis on pain, but his medical practice in Cestona was short-lived. Returning to Madrid, he connected with writers like Azorín and Maeztu, which led him to pursue his true calling: literature.
Baroja published his first books in 1900, following contributions to newspapers and magazines. A period of intense writing and travels in Spain and Europe culminated in the 1911 publication of The Tree of Knowledge. By then, he had already published seventeen novels, stories, articles, and essays. His fame grew, and he dedicated his life to writing, adopting an increasingly sedentary lifestyle. He joined the Royal Academy in 1935. During the Spanish Civil War, he went to France, but returned to Madrid in 1940, where he died in 1956.
The Essay
The Generation of ’98 saw a flourishing of the essay, a genre where authors reflect on and express their ideas and opinions. A key figure in this movement was Miguel de Unamuno, whose essays explored philosophical and religious themes. Unamuno grappled with the conflict between reason, which denied God’s existence, and his heart, which yearned for faith.
Unamuno’s Essays: Religion and History
Unamuno’s essays often examined two facets: the transcendent and the historical. His prominent themes included religion, history, and the lives of peoples.
Essays on Religious Themes:
- The Tragic Sense of Life
- The Agony of Christianity
These essays delve into the human preoccupation with death, the longing for eternity, the search for God, and Unamuno’s internal struggle between reason and faith.
Essays on Historical Themes:
Unamuno analyzed Spanish reality and advocated for national regeneration through the efforts of ordinary individuals, a concept he termed “intrahistory.”
Unamuno also wrote novels, which he called “nivolas,” that reflected life’s problems. Key examples include:
- Mist
- Aunt Tula
- Saint Manuel Bueno, Martyr
Theater
Two main types of theater existed during this time:
- Commercial Theater: This type retained elements of realism and romanticism and enjoyed wide public acceptance.
- Poetic drama inspired by historical romance.
- Comedy with a natural and elegant style, often incorporating social critique.
- Theater of manners, portraying the working classes humorously while addressing social issues.
- Renovating Theater: This movement laid the groundwork for important 20th-century dramatic works, though its thematic and aesthetic innovations were not immediately understood.
Ramón María del Valle-Inclán (1866-1936)
A novelist, poet, and playwright, Valle-Inclán also wrote short stories, essays, and journalistic pieces. He excelled in all genres and was an early modernist who satirized Spanish society. Born in Villanueva de Arosa, Pontevedra, he studied law in Santiago de Compostela but left to work as a journalist in Mexico. Upon returning to Madrid, he embraced a literary life, cultivating a distinctive image. He lost an arm in a fight and traveled to the French front during World War I. He held official positions after the proclamation of the Republic in 1931, including Director of the School of Fine Arts in Rome. He died in Santiago de Compostela in 1936.
His literary output was prolific, ranging from early modernist works like Feminine (1895) and the Galician-inspired Flor de Santidad (1904) to the evocative Sonatas (1902-1905). He also wrote plays, such as the barbaric comedies Eagle’s Heraldry (1907) and Romance of Wolves (1908), and the esperpentos, including Bohemian Lights (1920). His novel Tirano Banderas (1926) is considered one of his best, offering a satirical view of Latin American dictatorships. Valle-Inclán’s works often featured grotesque characters and social critique, reflecting his unique perspective on Spanish society.