Spanish Literature of the 20th Century: Modernism, Generation of ’98 & Avant-Garde
Spanish Literature of the 20th Century
Modernism and the Generation of ’98
Modernism, with figures like Rubén Darío and José Martí, was influenced by French poets. However, Spanish poets were initially slow to embrace this movement. Rubén Darío was rejected on his first trip to Spain by Unamuno, but was welcomed on his second trip and traveled with modernists like Antonio Machado. Some examples of modernist architecture include the Sagrada Familia.
Characteristics of Modernism
- Aestheticism: Rebellion against the bourgeoisie, encompassing both poetry and poetic prose (e.g., Valle-Inclán’s “Sonatas”).
- Escapism: Exploration of exotic locales and bygone eras, particularly the Middle Ages, Classical Antiquity, and mythology.
- Sensuality: Emphasis on erotic and sensual themes.
- Emotional Duality: Alternating melancholic and rebellious tones.
- Musicality: Extensive use of literary devices like hyperbole and hyperbaton.
- Linguistic Innovation: Introduction of new words into the Spanish lexicon, including cultisms and semicultisms.
Characteristics of the Generation of ’98
- Shared Concerns: The poets were contemporaries who shared concerns about Spain, particularly Castile, and stylistic experimentation.
- Close Relationships: The members maintained close friendships.
- Lexical Variety: Incorporation of popular, archaic, and semicultivated vocabulary.
- Simplicity: Preference for a sober and unadorned style.
- Pessimism: Presentation of a subjective and pessimistic view of reality.
- European Orientation: A desire for greater engagement with Europe.
Parnassianism and Symbolism
Characteristics of Parnassianism
- Art for Art’s Sake: “Art for art’s sake” was their motto.
- Reaction against Romanticism: A rejection of subjective and artistic socialism.
- Emphasis on Beauty: A strong concern for aesthetic beauty.
- Objectivity: Rejection of subjective emotion and poetic expression.
Characteristics of Symbolism
- French Origins: The movement originated in France, with Charles Baudelaire, author of “Les Fleurs du Mal,” as a key figure.
- Opposition to Realism: Rejection of realist aesthetics.
- Subjectivity and Intuition: Emphasis on subjective emotion and intuitive knowledge, expressed through symbols.
- Key Poets: Paul Verlaine, Arthur Rimbaud, and Stéphane Mallarmé.
The Essay
- Prose Form: Written in prose.
- Argumentative and Expository: Combines argumentation and exposition.
- Informative Character: Can cover a range of topics, including scientific, literary, and social issues.
- Key Essayists: Miguel de Unamuno, Azorín, and Ramiro de Maeztu.
The Generation of ’14 and ’27
The Generation of ’14, led by José Ortega y Gasset and associated with the journal “Revista de Occidente,” sought to regenerate Spain. It consisted of essayists, philosophers, and historians.
The Generation of ’27, linked to the avant-garde and sometimes referred to as the “Silver Age,” included poets like Federico García Lorca, Rafael Alberti, Dámaso Alonso, and Vicente Aleixandre.
Society and Culture of the 20th Century
Spanish society at the time was characterized by a large rural population, dominated by caciquismo (political bossism), and a growing proletariat. The proletariat began to organize into political parties and unions to demand better living conditions. The petty bourgeoisie leaned towards reformist positions, with many advocating for a republic as a solution to Spain’s problems.
Key Figures
Rubén Darío (1867-1916)
The Nicaraguan poet Rubén Darío was one of the most celebrated of his time. His artistic development is evident in his three poetry collections: Azul…, Prosas Profanas, and Cantos de Vida y Esperanza. His poetry was widely imitated by young Spanish poets.
Juan Ramón Jiménez (1881-1958)
His career exemplifies the evolution of Spanish poetry in the first half of the 20th century. His early works show traces of formal simplicity and Romantic sensibility. His poetry became increasingly complex but retained a melancholic tone characteristic of both Romanticism and Modernism.
Pío Baroja (1872-1956)
Pío Baroja was the most important novelist of his generation and the only one to reach a wide audience. He conceived of the novel as an open genre, incorporating both action and reflection. His style appears simple, but his vivid descriptions and accurate dialogue stand out.
Ramón María del Valle-Inclán (1866-1936)
Valle-Inclán is considered one of the most important playwrights of the 20th century, though he was not fully appreciated during his lifetime. Many of his works were not staged until after his death.
The Avant-Garde Movements
The avant-garde movements viewed art as a game of chance, guided by originality and creative freedom. Ramón Gómez de la Serna and the Chilean poet Vicente Huidobro introduced modernism to Spain, initiating the Creationism movement.
The Generation of ’27
The Generation of ’27, sometimes described as a group of friends with shared interests, included poets like Federico García Lorca, Rafael Alberti, Pedro Salinas, Jorge Guillén, Luis Cernuda, Vicente Aleixandre, Manuel Altolaguirre, Emilio Prados, Dámaso Alonso, and Gerardo Diego.
Characteristics of the Generation of ’27
- Balance of Tradition and Originality: They sought a balance between tradition and innovation, and between popular and cultivated styles.
- Influence of the Golden Age and Popular Ballads: They valued the perfection of Golden Age poetry and the simplicity of popular ballads.
- Avant-Garde Innovations: They incorporated avant-garde innovations, emphasizing artistic freedom.
Themes of the Generation of ’27
Their main themes included love, fulfillment, and death.
Trends within the Generation of ’27
- Neopopularism: Attraction to the metrics and style of folk poetry and oral tradition.
- Avant-Garde Experimentation: Characterized by the breaking of syntax, the removal of punctuation, and the use of irrational and visionary imagery.