Spanish Generation of 1927: Poets, Playwrights, Prose
Generation of 1927
The Generation of 1927 refers to a group of Spanish writers and poets who emerged after 1920. This generation’s key components include generational traits, influences, and stylistic traits. We can distinguish between poets, playwrights, and prose writers.
Poets
- Pedro Salinas: His work can be divided into three stages:
- First stage: Mixes avant-garde modernist heritage, as seen in Fable and Sign.
- Second stage: Features humane, loving, and conceptually rich poetry, such as Voice Due to You.
- Third stage: More objective and committed to reality, exemplified by The Contemplated Sea.
- Jorge Guillén: His work maintains a thematic unity, leading to splendid vitality, as seen in his book Cántico.
- Gerardo Diego: Alternates between avant-garde and traditional poetry. In the first trend, Manual de Espumas stands out, and in the second, Versos Humanos.
- Dámaso Alonso: Recognized for his role in renewing post-war Spanish poetry. His first two stages are represented by Pure Poems: Poemillas de la Ciudad, and the second stage by Children of Wrath.
- Vicente Aleixandre: Approaches surrealism in works like Swords as Lips, where the theme is love. Dialogues of Knowledge reflects on the human condition.
- Luis Cernuda: A teacher in exile, his poetry’s evolution starts with Perfil del Aire and is later influenced by surrealism.
- Miguel Hernández: A follower of the Generation of 1927 poets, characterized by vigorous and anguished tones. He transitions from an avant-garde stage to humanized poetry with El Rayo que no Cesa, and his last stage includes Viento del Pueblo.
- Federico García Lorca: Excels in both poetry and drama. His work, driven by pain, frustration, and death, can be divided into two stages:
- 1920-1928: Represents a stabilization of the traditional and popular, highlighted by Gypsy Ballads.
- 1929-1936: Embraces surrealism and breaks with traditional verse, as seen in Poet in New York.
Playwrights
- Alejandro Casona: Known for his pedagogical mission, his key works include The Stranded Mermaid and The Lady of the Dawn. The central theme often involves the opposition between fantasy and reality.
- Federico García Lorca: The best-known Spanish playwright abroad. His dramatic production can be classified into farces like The Shoemaker’s Prodigious Wife, impossible comedies, and social dramas like Blood Wedding.
Prose Writers
- José Bergamín: Wrote Characters and The Poet and the Work.
- Francisco Ayala: Known for The Usurpers and Death as a Way of Life.