Spanish Literature in the 18th and 19th Centuries
Moratín
His comedies adhere to the rules of “good taste” and the three unities (time, place, and action). Classical and Renaissance playwrights established that a play had to be developed in one place, over one day, and with a single action. His works maintain a moral and educational background. Moratín’s comedies are well-constructed and masterfully resolved. They are also characterized by their style and the psychological care given to some characters. Moratín “performs a continuous one of his favorite themes: the freedom of the husband and daughters to choose equality between their ages.”
The Girls’ Yes
Moratín’s best comedy and neoclassical drama. Doña Irene arranges a marriage between her young daughter Paquita and an old man named Don Diego, only giving up the wedding upon learning that his fiancée and his nephew are in love.
Cadalso
One of the great literary figures of the 18th century.
Mournful Nights
Mournful Nights are composed of monologues and dialogues in prose in which the protagonist expresses, for three nights in a tomb, tormented and gloomy meditations on various aspects of life and man. His style is close to poetic language.
Moroccan Letters
Moroccan Letters gives a critical view of the Spain of his time. In a satirical style, the writer discloses various ills that have caused the decline of the country, while pointing out remedies for the state in which it is. The author’s thoughts are reflected in the correspondence that the characters maintain.
Espronceda
Known for his great imagination, his successes in the use of rhythm, and his expertise in achieving musicality.
Brief Poetry
In short compositions, Espronceda shows all his spirit of romantic rebellion and his protest against a conformist society. He sings of beings on the margins of society and its conventions. Some characters are examples of freedom from the rigidity of social norms.
Older Poems: The Student of Salamanca
The Student of Salamanca is Espronceda’s best work. It is a long narrative poem divided into four parts. Its protagonist is a young seducer and libertine who ridicules and abandons his beloved Elvira. He later kills Elvira’s brother in a sword duel. He contemplates his own funeral and ends up in a crypt, where he marries the ghost of his girlfriend and eventually dies. He uses a variety of measures. He writes a fully romantic text, both in the scenes and the environment created, as well as in the theme and the poetic language he uses.
Larra
A writer who stands out as the author of journalistic texts.
Articles of Manners
In these articles, Larra describes the way of life of Spanish society with a critical, worried, pessimistic, and bitter tone. He covers topics such as the diligence of officials, traditionalism and poor education, and inadequate marriage at an early age. His word is usually careful and direct. He makes heavy use of irony and sarcasm.
Political News
Larra shows a progressive and liberal ideology, but also his disappointment and disillusionment with the political situation in Spain and the inefficiency of its governments.
Articles of Literary Criticism
He wrote about 60 articles, especially about the theater. His literary position is between neoclassical ideas of the Encyclopedists on one hand, and the gradual assimilation of the romantic spirit on the other.