Spanish Literary Movements: Romanticism to Novecento
Properties of the Text
- Fitness: Refers to the necessary account information.
- Consistency: Ensures the text is ordered and structured.
- Cohesion: Determines if the meaning is global or focused on a single item.
Romanticism (First Half of the 19th Century)
Historical Context: French Revolution (1789), Spanish War of Independence (1808), Reign of Ferdinand VII (1814-1833, absolute monarchy). This artistic movement reached Spain in the 1830s.
- Subjectivism: A personal vision of the world.
- Individualism: Emphasis on the inner self, feelings, and past emotions.
- Irrationalism: Importance of feelings over reason, the supernatural, and the bizarre.
- Disillusionment: Incomprehension and loneliness, often set in solitary places, defending freedom and life.
Romantic Poetry
Lyric Poetry
Espronceda: Defender of freedom, known for his impassioned style and marginalized or rebellious characters. Notable works include “Canción del Pirata” and “The Executioner.”
Narrative Poetry
Notable works: “The Student of Salamanca” and “Devil World.”
Bécquer: Known for “Rimas,” where the theme is love and poetry, identifying woman as a symbol of beauty. Also noted for his legends, featuring characters and beautiful women in medieval settings.
Rosalía de Castro: “Cantares Gallegos,” “Follas Novas,” and “On the Shores of Sar.”
Romantic Prose
Larra: Author of the play “Macías.” He excelled in numerous newspaper articles, such as “Come Back Tomorrow,” which censured social behaviors and practices.
Realism (Second Half of the 19th Century)
A cultural movement reflecting 19th-century bourgeois society. Key features include:
- Observation and detailed description of reality.
- Proximity to the events.
- Social and political criticism.
- Simple and sober style.
- Predilection for the novel.
Naturalism (Last Third of the 19th Century)
A literary current developed primarily in France, championed by Zola. It focused on miserable environments, portraying human beings as flawed, with an impersonal narrator.
Authors in Spain
- Fernán Caballero
- Alarcón
- Juan Valera
- Pereda
- Emilia Pardo Bazán
Galdós: Early novels include contemporary Spanish novels like “Fortunata and Jacinta” and “Miau.” Later works include the “National Episodes” (46 novels).
Clarín: Author of two novels: “La Regenta” and “Su único hijo,” along with short stories and tales, often satirical or reflective.
Modernism and the Generation of ’98
At the beginning of the 20th century, many young writers confronted previous literature. Initially called Modernists, they later became known as the Generation of ’98. Common traits include:
- Rebellious attitude against bourgeois values.
- A search for originality.
- Exploration of their past in their works.
- A focus on decadence, pain, and anguish.
- An interest in the ruinous, exotic, cosmopolitan, erotic, and esoteric.
Key Authors
Machado: Defender of the Republican cause. His first book, “Soledades” (1903), explored themes of lost love, solitude, childhood, and pain, using symbolism. In 1907, he published a revised edition, “Soledades. Galerías. Otros poemas.” “Campos de Castilla” described the landscapes of Castile. In 1924, he published his last book, “Nuevas Canciones,” and prose texts like “Juan de Mairena.”
Unamuno: A fighter and defender of rights, opposing fascist regimes and dictatorships. Unamuno wrote essays, novels, poetry, and drama. His first essay, “En torno al casticismo,” emphasized ‘intrahistory.’ Other essays explored the fear of death and the need to believe in a rational God, even questioning God’s existence. He also addressed Spain’s social and political problems, emphasizing Spanish spirituality. Notable novels include “Niebla” and “San Manuel Bueno, Mártir,” focusing on character conflicts rather than descriptions. He also wrote plays like “Brother John.”
Pío Baroja: Known for his hypersensitive and shy character. He wrote dozens of books and over 60 novels, including “Camino de perfección,” “La lucha por la vida,” and “El árbol de la ciencia.” His protagonists are often misfits. His style emphasizes naturalness, a desire to entertain, and constantly changing scenarios.
Novecento (Second Decade of the 20th Century)
A cultural movement in Spain. Unlike other writers, those in this movement were prestigious and highly trained professionals. Key attributes include:
- Rationality.
- Anti-romanticism.
- Defense of pure art.
- Aristocracy.
- Careful and refined style.