Romanticism in 19th Century Spanish Literature and Culture
Society and Culture in the First Half of the Nineteenth Century
The first half of the nineteenth century witnessed a significant shift in social structures, paving the way for a new societal order. Political parties closest to the regime included conservatives and moderates, while liberals advocated for change. These social transformations were largely driven by the French Revolution, which paradoxically resulted in the authoritarian government of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon’s influence extended conformist political ideas across Europe.
The Industrial Revolution, occurring alongside the political upheaval, dramatically altered the living conditions of many. A new social class emerged—the proletariat, or factory workers. In Spain, these changes arrived later than in other parts of Europe. The War of Independence, rather than ushering in a hoped-for liberal regime, brought about an absolute monarchy under Ferdinand VII. Liberals were persecuted and forced into exile, where they encountered the burgeoning Romantic movement that had originated in Germany.
Romantic Literature
Romanticism, a literary and artistic movement that flourished in the first half of the nineteenth century, was characterized by a zeal for renewal and a fervent defense of creative freedom. Key themes of Romanticism include:
- Freedom: Romantics rejected limitations and embraced free expression, even blending seemingly incompatible elements.
- Love: Love was paramount for Romantics, with many believing life to be meaningless without it. They idealized passionate love that defied conventions.
- Nature: While Romanticism emerged in urban centers, its proponents found solace and inspiration in untamed nature, a realm free from human control.
- Mystery: Romantic works often incorporated supernatural and unsettling elements, such as ghosts, witches, and haunted objects.
- The Journey: Escaping the mundane, Romantics explored distant lands and bygone eras, particularly the Middle Ages.
- Popular Traditions: Romantics celebrated the unique cultural identity of different peoples, finding expression in folklore and traditional stories.
Romantics placed great importance on emotions, using literature, particularly lyrical poetry, as a vehicle for their expression.
The Romantic Poets
José de Espronceda
Born in Almendralejo in 1808, José de Espronceda was a rebellious youth who formed a secret society, “The People of Numantia,” aimed at overthrowing 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 brought him both joy and sorrow. His political activism led him to be elected as a member of the Progressive Party in 1842, the year he died at the age of 34.
While initially influenced by Neoclassicism, Espronceda soon rebelled against it. His work “El Pastor Clasikino” parodies Neoclassical poetry. In 1840, he published his anthology “Lyrics,” with the song cycle “Canciones” being a highlight.
The Rhymes of Bécquer
Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer was born in Seville in 1836. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by his brother Valeriano, with whom he shared many artistic aspirations. At 18, Bécquer moved to Madrid to pursue his art but struggled to make a living. His life was marked by unrequited love and hardship. He died of tuberculosis in 1870 without having published a book of his poetry.
Bécquer is considered one of the most important Spanish poets of the mid-nineteenth century. His friends posthumously compiled and published his poems as “Rimas” (Rhymes) in 1871. Bécquer’s late Romanticism differed significantly from Espronceda’s. While Espronceda’s work was characterized by rebellion and a grand tone, Bécquer favored a more intimate and harmonious style. His compositions drew heavily on traditional Spanish ballad forms.
Rosalía de Castro
Born in Santiago de Compostela in 1837, Rosalía de Castro had a difficult childhood. Her unmarried mother’s circumstances forced her to live with relatives. To escape her challenging situation, she moved to Madrid and published her first poetry collection, “La Flor” (The Flower), in 1857. The following year, she married historian Manuel Murguía. Despite a difficult family life marked by financial struggles and the loss of six children, she continued to write. Rosalía de Castro died of cancer in 1885 at the age of 48.
Rosalía de Castro is a central figure in the “Rexurdimento,” a cultural movement that revitalized Galician literature in the second half of the nineteenth century. She also holds an important place in Spanish Romantic poetry, with two key works:
- “La Flor” (1857): This early work reflects the influence of Espronceda.
- “En las orillas del Sar” (On the Banks of the Sar, 1884): This later work presents a mature perspective on love, loss, and death.
The Prose of Romanticism
Mariano José de Larra
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