Spanish Generation of ’27: Key Poets & Evolution
The Poetic Group of ’27: A Silver Age of Spanish Literature
Around 1920, a group of exceptionally talented writers emerged, known as the Generation of ’27. This group was particularly noted for its poetic contributions.
The most prominent poets of the Generation of ’27 were:
- Rafael Alberti: Born in El Puerto de Santa María. His early work, Marinero en tierra, reflected neopopularist trends. The influence of Surrealism is evident in Sobre los ángeles. Later, his civic and social concerns were expressed in works like El poeta en la calle. His exile production includes Entre el clavel y la espada.
- Federico García Lorca: Born in Fuente Vaqueros (Granada). His literature blends popular and literary influences. Key works include:
- Poema del cante jondo and Romancero gitano (Revitalization of tradition)
- Poeta en Nueva York (Influence of Surrealism)
- Llanto por Ignacio Sánchez Mejías (Finding balance)
- Pedro Salinas: Born in Madrid. He was exiled to America in 1936. His work can be divided into three stages:
- First phase (avant-garde and Góngora’s influence): Seguro azar
- Second stage (love poetry): La voz a ti debida
- Third stage (exile, reflections on human existence): El contemplado
- Jorge Guillén: Born in Valladolid. He was exiled to America. He conceived his work as a whole: Cántico, Clamor, and Homenaje.
- Luis Cernuda: Born in Seville. He went into exile in 1938. Cernuda compiled his work in a single book, La realidad y el deseo, featuring surrealistic poems alongside intimate and personal expressions.
- Vicente Aleixandre: Born in Seville. He received the National Prize for Literature for La destrucción o el amor. In 1977, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.
- Dámaso Alonso
Key Characteristics of the Generation of ’27
The Generation of ’27 coincided with the writers of the turn of the century, the avant-garde, and Juan Ramón Jiménez, as well as painters like Picasso and Dalí, musicians like Falla, and filmmakers like Buñuel. The cultural and artistic achievements of this period have led to its designation as the Silver Age.
Main Features
Relationships:
The designation as a poetic generation stems from their close birth dates, strong bonds of friendship, and mutual cultural exchange and influence. These circumstances led to the use of the expression “Generation of ’27”.
Homage to Góngora:
A significant event was the 1927 act at the University of Seville commemorating the tricentenary of Góngora’s death.
Common Cultural Background and Interests:
They actively participated in cultural life and contributed to literary magazines such as Verso y Prosa, Litoral, Gallo, Carmen, etc. They were well-versed in Spanish literary tradition, both scholarly and popular, but also embraced the radical renewal of the avant-garde. Themes such as love and nature coexisted with praise for modern objects, and classical and popular forms alternated with visual poems and free verse.
Evolution
The Generation of ’27 went through three stages:
- 1918-1925: A formative stage, with strong influences from Juan Ramón Jiménez and Ultraism.
- 1926-1929: The poets found their individual voices.
- From 1930: Social and political concerns emerged, along with the influence of Surrealism.
After the Spanish Civil War, the Generation of ’27 disbanded.