Spanish Literature: Generation of ’98 & Novecentismo
The Generation of ’98: A Literary Movement
The Generation of ’98, concurrent with Modernism, was a literary movement focused on renewing literature and opposing past trends (Realism and Naturalism). It emerged from the political, economic, and moral crisis of the late nineteenth century, aggravated by the loss of Spain’s colonies and the exhaustion of prevailing themes and forms.
Key Characteristics of the Generation of ’98
The writers of ’98 were united in their protest against the customs and the state of Spanish society, offering a personal and subjective view of things. They focused on two key themes:
- The Theme of Spain: They attempted to discover the soul of the country through various lenses: the landscape (especially Castilian), the history of its people (intrahistoria), and medieval and classical literature, particularly that of Cervantes.
- Existential Concerns: These authors showed a special interest in the meaning of life, the obsession with time, and religious indecision.
Stylistic Features
Stylistically, they rejected rhetoric and opted for plain language without sacrificing expressive power. Their vocabulary was precise and included regional words (palabras terruñeras). Many terms carried negative and pessimistic connotations.
Differences with Realism in Novels
Their novels differed significantly from Realism. The perspective was personal and subjective, with the author offering opinions without rhetorical or moralistic intentions. The stories were often short, with a character-driven focus on action (e.g., Andrés Hurtado in Baroja’s *El árbol de la ciencia*).
Notable Authors and Their Works
Valle-Inclán: The most avant-garde, he began in Modernism and progressed to the *esperpento* (grotesque). His early major prose works were the *Sonatas* (*Sonata de otoño*, *Sonata de estío*, *Sonata de primavera*, and *Sonata de invierno*), featuring the Marquis of Bradomín as the protagonist, and a Modernist style with love and death as central themes. Another important work is *Tirano Banderas*, which depicts a tyrannical South American dictator.
Azorín: In works such as *La Voluntad* and *Las Confesiones de un pequeño filósofo*, he strived for thoroughness, highlighting details with simple, brief, clear, and orderly descriptions.
Unamuno: He projected his personal interests into his novels, which have a strong philosophical and critical nature. His entire work is based on a concern for Spain (intrahistoria) and, above all, a concern for human personality (existence, death, religion, etc.). One of his first works was *Amor y pedagogía*. *Niebla* (*Mist*) is one of his *nivolas* where the protagonist, Augusto Pérez, rebels against the author himself, emphasizing the anguish of human existence. In *San Manuel Bueno, mártir*, the hero is a priest admired by his parishioners but lacking faith.
Baroja: Considered the best narrator of ’98. With a sour and pessimistic tone, he protested against society, criticizing its shortcomings with complete sincerity. He showed great tenderness for the marginalized and skepticism towards the religious and ethical aspects of humanity, emphasizing action in his works. His works include those of opinion (*Camino de Perfección*, *El árbol de la ciencia*) and action (*Zalacaín el aventurero*). His style is seemingly careless, spontaneous, and anti-rhetorical. In some works, he rejects a pre-defined structure (though not in *El árbol de la ciencia*). Paragraphs are short, the vocabulary and syntax are simple, with the use of colloquialisms and an abundance of dialogue. Descriptions are brief and nervous, sometimes harsh and sometimes emotional.
Novecentismo (Generation of 1914)
Another group of writers who shared a concern for the problem of Spain were grouped in Novecentismo or the Generation of 1914, such as Ortega y Gasset.