Spanish Literature (1940-1960): From Existentialism to Social Realism
Spanish Literature (1940-1960)
Historical Context
The period from 1940 to 1960 was deeply marked by the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and its aftermath. The war led to a fractured society, widespread trauma, and impoverishment. The dictatorial regime suppressed freedoms, forcing many intellectuals, scientists, artists, and writers into exile. Those who remained faced silence or internal exile. The Second World War (1939-1945) further isolated Spain due to its association with Germany. The Cold War eventually led to the easing of this isolation, marked by a treaty with the United States, the Concordat with the Holy See in 1953, and Spain’s entry into the UN in 1955.
Literary Trends
Two main literary trends emerged during this period:
- Conservative Literature: This trend aligned with the ideals of the victors. It focused on heroic war themes, the exaltation of the “new Spain,” or timeless themes like love, religion, and family, often avoiding the harsh realities faced by the population.
- Rehumanizing Literature: This trend expressed the anguish and despair of a world marked by war. In the 1940s, it manifested as existential literature, exploring the emptiness and pain caused by conflict. In the 1950s, it evolved into social literature, exposing injustice, advocating for social and political engagement, and seeking to change Spanish reality.
Poetry
Rooted Poetry
This optimistic style focused on intimate themes such as the country, its glorious past, religious fervor, landscapes, and family life. It employed traditional language, meter, and classical forms like the sonnet. Poets associated with this trend, often called the “creative youth,” include José García Nieto, Luis Rosales, Leopoldo Panero, and Dionisio Ridruejo. Key publications included the magazines Garcilaso and Escorial.
Uprooted Poetry
This trend expressed the despair and anguish of human existence. Themes included the meaning of life, suffering, and the absence of God. The language was often violent, reflecting the emotional turmoil. Both traditional and free verse were used. Key works include Hijos de la ira (Sons of Wrath) by Dámaso Alonso and Sombra del paraíso (Shadow of Paradise) by Vicente Aleixandre, both published in 1944. Other poets associated with this trend include Carlos Bousoño, Victoriano Crémer, Eugenio de Nora, and Gabriel Celaya, some of whom later transitioned to social poetry.
Social Poetry of the 1950s
This movement shifted from personal anguish to social denunciation, proclaiming solidarity with the disadvantaged and advocating for change. It moved from the “I” to the “we,” from existentialism to social engagement. Themes included the “subject of Spain” and a yearning for a free and peaceful nation. While traditional forms persisted, free verse became predominant. Key figures include Gabriel Celaya (1911-1991) and Blas de Otero (1916-1979).
The Novel
Similar trends appeared in narrative. Initial post-war novels often served as propaganda for the victors. However, more compelling works explored existential (1940s) and social (1950s) themes.
The Existential Novel of the 1940s
These novels presented a pessimistic view of reality, reflecting the emptiness and distress caused by war. Characters were often loners or misfits, experiencing frustration and sometimes resorting to violence. First-person narration and internal monologues were common. Key works include La familia de Pascual Duarte (The Family of Pascual Duarte, 1942) by Camilo José Cela and Nada (Nothing, 1944) by Carmen Laforet.
Camilo José Cela (1916-2002) gained recognition with Pascual Duarte. He was a prolific writer, constantly innovating narrative techniques. His rich language and ability to create vivid characters and settings are noteworthy. Other important works include La colmena (The Hive, 1951), San Camilo 1936 (1969), Oficio de tinieblas 5 (Office of Darkness 5, 1973), and the travel book Viaje a la Alcarria (Journey to the Alcarria, 1948). He received numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize in Literature (1989) and the Cervantes Prize (1995).
In Pascual Duarte, the protagonist, a peasant from Extremadura, recounts his unhappy life before his execution for heinous crimes. Pascual is portrayed as a victim of his social environment (poverty, violence) and a seemingly predetermined fate (naturalism). The novel’s brutal and gruesome acts led to controversy.