Romanticism in 19th Century Spain
Society and Culture in the First Half of the Nineteenth Century
The first half of the nineteenth century saw a shift in social structures, paving the way for a new social order. Political parties closest to the regime were the traditional conservatives and moderates, while liberals advocated for democratic change. These social transformations were largely driven by the French Revolution, which paradoxically resulted in an authoritarian government under Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon spread conformist political ideas throughout Europe.
The Industrial Revolution, occurring alongside the political upheaval, dramatically changed the living conditions for many. A new social class emerged: the proletariat, or factory workers. In Spain, these changes arrived later than in the rest of Europe. The War of Independence, rather than ushering in a hoped-for liberal regime, brought about an absolute monarchy under Ferdinand VII. During his reign, liberals were persecuted and forced into exile. It was during this exile that Spanish liberals came into contact with Romanticism, a movement that had originated in Germany.
Romantic Literature
Romanticism, a movement that flourished in the first half of the nineteenth century, was characterized by a zeal for renewal and a defense of creative freedom. Some of its key themes include:
- Freedom: Romantics rejected limitations and embraced free expression, even combining elements traditionally considered incompatible.
- Love: For Romantics, life held no meaning without love. Many Romantic figures would rather die than give up their love, even if it was impossible.
- Nature: While the Romantic movement was born in the city, its favored landscape was the wilderness, where nature thrived untamed by man.
- Mystery: Romantic works were often filled with unsettling supernatural elements, such as ghosts, witches, and haunted objects.
- The Journey: Escaping the mundane, Romantics sought to recreate bygone eras (like the Middle Ages) and explore distant lands.
- Folk Traditions: Romantics believed that every culture possessed a unique essence expressed through its folklore and traditions. They placed great importance on these expressions.
Romantic literature emphasized feelings and emotions, often using lyrical language as a vehicle for personal expression.
The Romantic Poets
José de Espronceda
Born in Almendralejo in 1808, José de Espronceda displayed a rebellious spirit from a young age. He formed a secret society, “The People of Numantia,” aiming to overthrow the absolute monarchy. This led to his exile, and he spent much of his life in France, Portugal, and England.
Espronceda’s great love was Teresa Mancha, a relationship that deeply affected him. Though their love was passionate, it eventually ended, leaving him heartbroken. Politically active, Espronceda was elected as a member of the Progressive Party in 1842 but died that same year at the age of 34.
While initially educated in neoclassicism, Espronceda soon turned against it in his work. He parodied traditional poetic forms and challenged neoclassical conventions. In 1840, he published his anthology “Lyrics,” with the standout piece being “Songs.”
The Rhymes of Bécquer
Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer was born in Seville in 1836. Orphaned as a child, he was raised by his brother Valeriano, with whom he shared many projects. At 18, he moved to Madrid to pursue art but struggled to make a living. His love life was troubled and unfulfilled. In 1870, Bécquer died of tuberculosis without having published a book of his Romantic poetry.
Despite this, Bécquer is considered one of the most important Spanish poets of the mid-nineteenth century. He is also recognized for his prose. In 1871, his friends posthumously published a collection of his poems titled “Rhymes.”
Bécquer’s late Romanticism differed greatly from Espronceda’s. While Espronceda’s work was characterized by rebellion and a passionate tone, Bécquer favored natural expression and harmonious meter. His compositions often drew inspiration from traditional Spanish ballads and romances.
Rosalía de Castro
Born in Santiago de Compostela in 1837, Rosalía de Castro faced a difficult childhood. Her father, a clergyman, and her unmarried status created challenging circumstances. To seek her fortune, she moved to Madrid and published her first book of poems, “La Flor,” in 1857. The following year, she married Manuel Murguía, a relationship that would reignite her literary career.
Despite her literary success, Rosalía’s family life was challenging. Raising six children with limited financial resources, she tragically died of cancer in 1885 at the age of 48.
Rosalía de Castro played a pivotal role in the “Rexurdimento,” a cultural movement that revitalized Galician literature in the late nineteenth century. She also holds a significant place in Spanish Romantic poetry, with two key works:
- La Flor (1857): A youthful work reflecting the influence of Espronceda’s poetry.
- On the Banks of the Sar (1884): This work presents Rosalía’s mature perspective on love, heartbreak, and death.
The Prose of Romanticism
Mariano José de Larra
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