Noucentisme: A Cultural Movement in Catalonia (1906-1923)
Noucentisme was a Catalan cultural and ideological movement that replaced Modernism in the early 20th century. It aimed to modernize Catalan culture and society, aligning it with European standards. Noucentisme represented a convergence between politics and culture, with a shared goal of building an educated and European Catalonia.
Ideological Assumptions of Noucentisme
- Intellect over Emotion: Intellect must master feeling and instinct.
- Value of Work: Work is valued over personal genius.
- Functionality: Things are valued for their functionality.
Noucentisme rejected the Romantic aesthetics of the 19th century and embraced classicism. It was based on ideals expressed in various “isms” such as classicism, civilisme, and arbitrarisma.
Poetry in Noucentisme
Poetry was the most cultivated genre in Noucentisme. It moved away from the Romantic idea of the poet being born a poet.
Key Features
- Artifice: Poetry is not a naked expression of feeling but is valued for its form. It requires rigorous work and a learned language, reflecting the writer’s mastery of the subject.
- Treatment of Reality: Reality cannot be presented directly with its tensions and contradictions but must be re-elaborated and harmonized.
Themes in Noucentisme Poetry
- Simple Life: Everyday life is used as a pretext to defend a simple, balanced life full of harmony and serenity.
- Urban Environment: The city is the model of civility, sociability, order, and measure.
- Idyllic and Civilized Nature: Noucentista intellectuals present a friendly and harmonious nature.
- The Feminine: The feminine ideal, linked to Greek and Latin beauty, symbolizes order and industriousness. Women are seen as educators of children and promoters of motherhood. They also symbolize the ideal Catalonia.
- Passage of Time: Old age is assumed with resignation and serenity.
Josep Carner: A Leading Figure of Noucentisme
Josep Carner (1884-1970) was born in Barcelona and is considered one of the most important authors of 20th-century Catalan poetry. His conception of poetry remained consistent throughout his career, drawing elements from tradition. He also played an important role in Catalan political life.
Stages of Carner’s Literary Career
- Initial Stage (1896-1905): Influenced by Modernist poetry, this stage shows the characteristics of his later poetry. Works include The Book of Poetry and First Book of Sonnets.
- Noucentista Stage (1906-1924): This stage represents his consolidation as a poet. His works reflect a desire to transform reality into art, as advocated by Noucentista aesthetics. Notable works include The Tasty Fruits and Monks. The following two stages are influenced by historical events, such as the Spanish Civil War, and represent an evolution of his career.
- Post-Symbolist Period (1925-1939): Related to the crisis of Noucentista aesthetics and the discovery of Post-Symbolism, this stage is characterized by the humanization of poetry, an interest in simple things, and the contemplation of existence. The Still Car is a key work from this period.
- Stage of Exile (Post-Spanish Civil War): After the Spanish Civil War, Carner went into exile in Mexico. His poetry evolved towards a metaphysical and speculative style, reflecting deeply on the human condition. Nabi is a significant work from this period.