Postmodernism in Spanish Literature & The Latin American Boom
Postmodernism in Literature
Characteristics of Postmodernism
The postmodern aesthetic often rejects overarching ideologies, mixing distinct disciplines such as literature, movies, and music culture. It defends popular styles and involves the fusion of genres (e.g., incorporating elements from comics) and concise references. Relativism, favoring individual thinking, irony, and humor, are common features.
Postmodern Spanish Literature (Since 1975)
Postmodern Spanish Poetry
Key characteristics include:
- Focus on everyday and relatable themes (shared experiences).
- Use of simple and colloquial language (including neologisms, foreign words, etc.).
- Inclusion of dialogues and monologues.
- Careful and precise language, often termed Poetry of Experience, based on personal principles.
- References to the experiences of the Generation of ’50.
Authors:
- Luis García Montero: Seeks simplicity (e.g., Habitaciones separadas).
- Felipe Benítez Reyes: Presents a disenchanted vision of existence (e.g., Los mundos vanos, Malas compañías).
Postmodern Spanish Novel
Since 1975, the Spanish novel has seen a recovery of interest in plot and reader engagement. A key starting point was Eduardo Mendoza’s The Truth About the Savolta Case. Emphasis is placed on content and plot rather than solely on structure.
Trends:
- Police novel
- Historical novel
- Intimate novel
- Testimonial novel
Authors:
- Eduardo Mendoza: Changed the narrative panorama with The Truth About the Savolta Case; writes detective and historical novels often incorporating humor.
- Antonio Muñoz Molina: Known for his great command of language.
- Javier Marías: Author of intellectual novels.
- Luis Landero: Achieved great success with works like Juegos de la edad tardía.
Postmodern Spanish Theatre
Since 1975, two main trends have emerged:
- Innovative texts within commercial theatre.
- Alternative theatre groups experimenting with the text and performance (e.g., Els Joglars, La Fura dels Baus).
Authors:
- Francisco Nieva: Known for intellectual theatre.
- José Sanchis Sinisterra: Concerned with language renewal (e.g., ¡Ay, Carmela!).
- José Luis Alonso de Santos: Writes costumbrist comedies (e.g., La estanquera de Vallecas).
Hispanic American Literature
General Trends
Lyric Poetry Trends
Trends include postmodernism, avant-garde surrealism with an intimate and subjective vision of reality (e.g., Pablo Neruda), social concern, commitment, solidarity, and the search for new expressive paths (e.g., Octavio Paz).
Narrative Trends
There is great interest in social problems and political critique. Settings range from rural to new urban environments. Narrative features include new forms of language (symbols, metaphors) and a mix of reality with fantastic themes, dreams, myths, and legends. Key historical trends include:
- Regionalist Novels (‘Novela de la tierra’): Depicting local landscapes and life.
- Indigenista Novels: Protesting inequality and exploitation of indigenous peoples.
- Novels of the Revolution / Dictator: Reflecting political instability.
The Latin American Boom
Precursors and Key Figures
Starting in the 1940s and 50s, a change in writing style began, initiated by figures like Jorge Luis Borges, Juan Rulfo, Miguel Ángel Asturias, and Alejo Carpentier. The Boom itself flourished in the 1960s and 70s with authors such as Gabriel García Márquez, Mario Vargas Llosa, Julio Cortázar, and Carlos Fuentes.
Characteristics of the Boom
Changes included:
- Themes: Exploration of the urban world, everyday life, loneliness, and lack of communication.
- Techniques: Use of metafiction, interior monologue, and disordered chronology.
- Language: Innovative and experimental use of language.
Magical Realism
A key element associated with the Boom, Magical Realism involves the seamless union of real and magical elements, often incorporating myths, legends, and folklore into realistic settings.
Notable Hispanic American Authors and Works
Jorge Luis Borges
Argentine narrator and poet. Notable works include Ficciones, The Aleph, and The Book of Sand.
Miguel Ángel Asturias
Guatemalan novelist and Nobel Prize in Literature winner (1967). Known for works like El Señor Presidente.
Julio Cortázar
Argentine author known for influential short stories (e.g., Bestiario) and experimental novels like Hopscotch (Rayuela).
Gabriel García Márquez
Colombian novelist, considered a maximum representative of Hispanic literature of his time and a key figure of the Boom. Nobel Prize in Literature 1982.
One Hundred Years of Solitude
Chronicles the life of seven generations of the Buendía family, representing Hispanic history in the fictional town of Macondo. Covers its evolution from foundation, through civil war and capitalism, to decadence and destruction. Characteristics include temporal games, multiple perspectives, and the blend of real and magical elements (Magical Realism). Its publication marked a triumph of narrative renewal.
Other Works by García Márquez
Chronicle of a Death Foretold, Love in the Time of Cholera.
Pablo Neruda
Chilean poet (1904-1973), born Neftalí Ricardo Reyes Basoalto. Considered one of the most relevant literary figures of the 20th century. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1971.
Literary Journey and Key Works
He started in Modernism with Crepusculario and gained fame surpassing it with Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair. He later joined the surrealist avant-garde with works like Residence on Earth. His monumental Canto General adopted a simpler, more direct language reflecting social and political commitment. Other significant works include One Hundred Love Sonnets and Memorial de Isla Negra.