Romanticism: A Deep Dive into 19th-Century Literature and Art
Romanticism
Historical Framework
The 19th century began with Napoleon’s invasion of Spain in 1808, the subsequent War of Independence (1808-1814), and the return of King Ferdinand VII, who restored absolute monarchy. Constant disputes arose between absolutists (supporters of the king’s full powers) and liberals (defending national sovereignty and civil liberties), leading to the exile of many intellectuals, primarily to France and England. Upon the king’s death, these intellectuals returned, contributing significantly to the rise of Romanticism in Spain. Later, during the reign of Elizabeth II, liberal thought prevailed, dividing into moderate liberals and progressive liberals, whose conflicts led to further unrest and wars.
Origin of Romantic Feeling and Attitude Towards Life
Romantic thought stemmed from discontent with the present and a conviction that true values lay in the past, particularly in the Middle Ages and Baroque periods, which were previously rejected during the Enlightenment. Conservative authors exalted national and religious traditions, while progressives critically examined the past to promote progress, leading to distinctions between traditional Romanticism and liberal Romanticism.
Romanticism also encompassed a distinct attitude towards life. Dissatisfied with the world, individuals sought refuge in their inner selves, exploring their emotions, dreams, and imagination. Rejecting limitations on freedom and embracing the exceptional and extraordinary, Romantics challenged the sufficiency of reason alone to explain life’s complexities. This philosophy often resulted in internal struggles, as reality clashed with their ideals, leading to disappointment, pessimism, and even suicide, sometimes referred to as “the evil of the century” or “romantic disease of the soul.”
Key Features of Romanticism
- Individualism and subjectivism
- Emphasis on originality and national identity
- Celebration of the individual genius and artistic freedom
- Exaltation of feelings, sensitivity, and imagination over reason
- Fascination with the mysterious and inexplicable
- Escapism through historical legends and exotic settings
- Depiction of dramatic landscapes and wildlife reflecting the artist’s emotions
Romanticism in Theater
Theater gained prominence in Spain after 1830, characterized by:
- Rejection of neoclassical rules
- Themes of passionate love, fate, human conflict, and frustrated desires
- Dark settings: nights, caves, cemeteries, ruins, and storms
- Mixed prose and verse
These elements reflected Romanticism’s emphasis on imagination and individualism, but the focus on intense emotions drew criticism.
Key Authors and Works
French Authors
- Alexandre Dumas: The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo (historical novels)
- Victor Hugo: Notre Dame de Paris (historical novel)
English Authors
- Walter Scott: Ivanhoe (historical novel)
Spanish Authors
- Duque de Rivas: Don Álvaro or the Force of Fate (play)
- Estebanez Calderón
- García Gutiérrez: The Troubadour (play)
- Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer: Letters from My Cell (prose), Legends (prose), Rimas (poetry)
- José de Espronceda: Pirate Song, The Executioner, The Beggar (short poems), Student of Salamanca (narrative poem), The Devil World (poetry)
- José Zorrilla: Don Juan Tenorio (play)
- Juan Eugenio Hartzenbusch: The Lovers of Teruel (play)
- Mariano José de Larra: Macías (play)
- Martínez de la Rosa: The Conspiracy of Venice (play)
- Mesonero Romanos: Madrid Scenes (prose)
- Rosalía de Castro: Cantares Gallegos and New Leaves (poetry in Galician), On the Banks of the Sar (poetry in Castilian), The Gentleman in Blue Boots (prose in Castilian)