Romanticism in Spain: Context, Traits & Stages
Romanticism in Spain: A Cultural Revolution
Romanticism was a profound cultural revolution that introduced a new sensibility in which subjectivity became paramount. In Spain, the emergence of this new aesthetic coincided with the development of the bourgeoisie and a new social and economic order. In the literary field, the movement’s triumph began in the theater. In fiction, approximately twenty titles were published, followed by new approaches. Poetry was the last genre to embrace Romanticism, with a set of representative books appearing until 1840.
Historical and Cultural Context
The introduction of the capitalist system and the liberal state led to the rise of the bourgeoisie. The transformation process was complex and uneven; the confiscation of land enriched the wealthy and worsened the conditions of the peasants. There were also many advances, such as the development of the textile and mining industries, railways, and so on. The development of the press gave it a leading role in the culture of that time. Cultural and social life, apart from institutions, centered around theater, concerts, and bullfights, which were the main forms of entertainment for the bourgeoisie. Art received a significant boost during this period.
Key Characteristics of Romanticism
- Romanticism exalted the importance of the individual and asserted their freedom as a supreme value.
- It claimed a subjective conception of reality.
- There was marginal interest for certain human types.
- It asserted the historical character of artistic creation.
- It involved a flight from reality and embraced irrationalism; the Middle Ages became a favored setting for the expression of ideals.
Themes and Style
Common themes included freedom, power and justice, the meaning of life, the silence of God, the fate of human beings and their mysteries, and love. Romantic writers rejected the conventions of poetic language and advocated for the mixing of genres. The style emphasized the use of exclamations to express moods and was dominated by a lexicon and linguistic resources appropriate for the manifestation of subjectivity.
Stages of Development in Spain
- First stage: The dissemination of the ideas of the German Romantics began. A traditional view predominated, coupled with the conservative defense of Catholicism as a cultural sign.
- Second stage: The triumph of the new movement, to which was added the influence of French Romanticism. The return of exiled liberals imposed a new, progressive orientation.
- Third stage: A transition to Realism. In poetry, an intimate tendency developed, influenced by German and popular poetry.
The Essay
The essay is a text of reflective character that expresses an opinion about some aspect of reality. Sometimes the ‘self’ projected by the writer becomes a character, thus establishing a framework of fiction.
The Writings of Feijoo
Benito Jerónimo Feijoo y Montenegro, author of Teatro crítico universal and Cartas eruditas y curiosas, is one of the initiators of the essay in Spain. The purpose of Padre Feijoo’s writings was to combat popular or scientific errors to achieve the modernization of the Spanish mentality. Feijoo’s work addresses various themes (economics, philosophy, politics, etc.) and his texts are aimed at a broad audience of readers, presented in a familiar and approachable style.
Cadalso and Cartas Marruecas
José Cadalso’s most prominent work is Cartas Marruecas, an essay on Spain. The author uses an epistolary form to provide three versions of reality: that of the Spaniard Nuño, the Moroccan Gazel, and Gazel’s wise Moroccan mentor, Ben Beley. The vision of Spain coincides with that of the Enlightenment.
Jovellanos
Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos studied law and worked as a judge in Seville and Madrid. He entered the Royal Academy and was banished to Gijón. Upon being appointed Minister of Grace and Justice, he was banished again to Gijón and then imprisoned. He was opposed to any pact with the French and was part of the Central Board against the Napoleonic invasion. He died in Puerto de Vega. Jovellanos was one of the most distinguished Spanish Enlightenment figures of the 18th century. He played major political roles in the reigns of Carlos III and Carlos IV. In literary culture, he produced poetry and theater, in addition to the prose essay.
Themes: He focused on the main problems of the society of his time (agriculture, Asturias, industry).
Works: Informe sobre la ley agraria, Memoria sobre espectáculos and Informe sobre educación pública.