Romanticism and Realism in 19th Century Spanish Literature
Romanticism: An Artistic Movement in 19th Century Europe
Romanticism was an artistic movement that triumphed across Europe in the 19th century. Although it appeared in most countries in the late 18th century, starting in Germany and England, in Spain, it began with the return of exiled liberals after the death of Fernando VII. The decline of the Romantic movement began around 1850. However, in Spain, we can speak of a post-Romanticism period after 1850. Notable figures of this era include Rosalía de Castro and Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer.
General Features of Romanticism
Romanticism is characterized by dissatisfaction with reality and a protest against a society governed by absolute values, which crushed liberal ideas.
- Rebellion Against Traditional Morality: Marginalized characters who do not abide by conventional lifestyles and symbolize freedom are often rejected.
- Rejection of Reality: There is a desire to escape, so Romantic works are often located in distant and exotic worlds or times past.
- Analysis of Privacy: The expression of feelings is present in Romanticism, often with an exaggeration of emotions.
- Importance of Nature: In Romantic works, the landscape is a reflection of the author’s state of mind and helps highlight the feelings present. Forests or graveyards are common settings.
- Nationalism: Writers defend their country’s culture. Romanticism revalues the history and traditions of the various languages that were being recovered.
- Romantic Style: Generally, the style is rhetorical, bombastic, and exaggerated to highlight feelings.
Romantic Poetry
Love is the main theme, particularly unattainable love, which motivates deep disgrace in the author. Poems of social criticism are also frequent. Notable authors include José de Espronceda, José Zorrilla, Bécquer, and Rosalía de Castro.
Romantic Theater
Drama was among the most outstanding genres. These representations had great popular success and often depicted impossible love stories due to societal rules or the tragic end of one of the protagonists. They were usually set in the past, often in medieval settings.
Notable Works and Authors
- Don Álvaro o la fuerza del sino – Ángel Saavedra, Duke of Rivas
- Don Juan Tenorio – José Zorrilla
Romantic Prose
The press reports of Mariano José de Larra are noteworthy. In his articles, published in the Madrid press, he takes a critical and ironic stance on Spanish society. Besides press articles, historical novels modeled after the works of Walter Scott were also important. Bécquer’s legends also serve as a model work.
Realism: A Literary Movement of the Late 19th Century
Realism was a literary and artistic movement of the second half of the 19th century. In Spain, it began around 1870, coinciding with the Bourbon Restoration.
Features of Realism
- Importance of Description: Realist works describe in detail the spaces where the action happens, such as houses, streets, and cities. They also provide detailed descriptions of characters, including both physical and psychological aspects. The characters are not heroic and do not possess special features.
- Contemporary Ambience: The writer sets the works in the time they are living. They address the political and social conflicts of the time, the living conditions of the working class, warlordism, and the differences between classes.
- Omniscient Narrator: The narrator knows everything about the characters and even recounts their most intimate thoughts.
- Ideology of the Author: The novels reflect the author’s political ideals, and they express their views through the omniscient narrator.
- Style: The language is clear, simple, natural, and far from any emotional exaggeration. The language of the dialogues attempts to reproduce the language of the characters, given their education and social class.