Poetry of the Generation of ’27: A Synthesis of Tradition and Vanguard
The Generation of ’27: Poetry and Context
The “Generation of ’27” refers to a group of Spanish poets who began writing in the 1920s and shared common characteristics. The name originates from their participation in a 1927 homage to Luis de Góngora. This group is considered a pivotal force in Spanish literary history, often referred to as the Silver Age of Spanish literature.
Historical Context
Their work emerged during a turbulent period in Spanish history, marked by the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera, university closures, student revolts, and the eventual proclamation of the Second Republic in 1931, followed by the victory of the Popular Front in 1936. This political turmoil significantly influenced their writing.
Key Figures and Common Traits
The core group included prominent writers like Jorge Guillén and Gerardo Diego. These poets, mostly of similar age and with strong literary backgrounds, often gathered at the student residence in Madrid, fostering friendships and attending literary and artistic events. Most held liberal political views and supported the Republic. They collaborated in journals, recognized figures like Juan Ramón Jiménez and José Ortega y Gasset as mentors, and cultivated a distinct generational language, often employing the stanza form.
Balancing Tradition and the Avant-Garde
A defining characteristic of the Generation of ’27 is their synthesis of tradition and avant-garde aesthetics. They sought to preserve the best of lyrical tradition, valuing both learned and popular forms, while embracing the innovative spirit of the avant-garde movements.
Modernism and the Influence of the Avant-Garde
The poets’ youth coincided with the rise of avant-garde movements like Futurism, evident in their interest in themes like sport. Their work reflects the avant-garde’s emphasis on metaphor, imagery, and experimentation. They sought a balance between tradition and the avant-garde, respecting and revaluing both learned and popular poetic forms.
Stages of Poetic Development
The early phase of the Generation of ’27, set in the 1920s, aligned with the flourishing of avant-garde movements. Initially, they cultivated a pure, unsentimental poetry. Later, influenced by Surrealism, they explored inner conflicts and a rehumanization of poetry.
The Avant-Garde Movement
The term “avant-garde” emerged during World War I to describe artistic movements that challenged traditional aesthetics and social order. These movements, gaining prominence in Spain during the 1920s, aimed to create a radically new art form.
Characteristics of Modernism
- Autorrealismo and Autonomy of Art: Emphasis on the artist’s creation of reality rather than its imitation.
- Irrationalism: Use of incoherent images based on dreams and free inspiration.
- Originality and Experimentation: Leading to a sometimes obscure and highly individualistic art.
- Devoid of Sentimentality: Focusing on formal qualities rather than emotional expression.
- Artistic Freedom: Promoting the absolute freedom of the artist.
- Provocation: Challenging established norms and conventions.
European Avant-Garde Movements
- Expressionism: Emphasized the expression of inner emotions and anxieties.
- Futurism: Glorified urban civilization and machines.
- Dadaism: Rejected all aesthetic and social values, advocating for complete denial and rebellion.
- Surrealism: Aimed to express the unconscious mind through techniques like automatic writing and dream analysis.
Avant-Garde Critics in Spain
- Ramón Gómez de la Serna: A precursor to modernism, known for his “greguerías,” short, witty, and often metaphorical observations.
- José Ortega y Gasset: His essay “The Dehumanization of Art” marked a milestone in the Spanish avant-garde, advocating for a pure, intellectual art.