Spanish Literature of the Early 20th Century
1. Spanish Historical Context
The nineteenth century ended with the Disaster of ’98 (Spain lost its overseas colonies—Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines—through military defeat by the U.S.). This period of tension, marked by poor living conditions and scientific and technological backwardness, prompted intellectuals to modernize Spain. This eagerness for modernization is reflected in the works of many authors. In 1902, Alfonso XIII came to power, supporting the coup of Primo de Rivera, which led to a dictatorship lasting until 1930.
2. Modernism
This artistic movement originated in Latin America and was spread by José Martí (Cuban) and Rubén Darío (Nicaraguan).
Features:
- Aesthetic beauty (emphasis on beauty, rhythm, and musicality)
- Evasion of reality (use of remote locations and historical periods)
- Focus on the past, luxury, exoticism, and cosmopolitan urban spaces
- Themes of weariness, indolence, melancholy, and dream worlds
- Symbolic elements (e.g., the swan)
3. Generation of ’98
Authors born in the late 19th century (1864-1875). Key themes include the decline of Spain and existential angst (Miguel de Unamuno, Pío Baroja, Azorín, Ramiro de Maeztu). Influenced by the existential doctrines of Søren Kierkegaard and the irrationalism of German philosophers. Frequent descriptions of landscapes. Refined literary language with a natural and accessible tone.
4. Poetry
- Rubén Darío (1867-1916): The leading figure of Modernism.
- Azul and Prosas Profanas exemplify Modernist aesthetics (exotic imagery, musicality, and vibrant settings).
- Cantos de Vida y Esperanza: Intimate and reflective poetry exploring transcendent themes like the meaning of life.
5. Prose
- Poetic and musical language, full of evocative imagery.
- Authors cultivated both the essay and the novel.
- Key Themes: The decline of Spain and existential concerns (Miguel de Unamuno).
- Notable Novelists: Miguel de Unamuno, Pío Baroja, Azorín.
6. Theater
- A break from previous theatrical traditions.
- Jacinto Benavente: Realistic dialogue and critique of social issues.
- Ramón María del Valle-Inclán: Use of the grotesque.
Miguel de Unamuno (1864-1936)
Born in Bilbao but lived in Salamanca, where he was a university professor. Known for his existentialist reflections in essays (The Tragic Sense of Life) and novels (philosophical and intellectual content, use of inner monologues, e.g., San Manuel Bueno, Martyr).
Pío Baroja (1872-1956)
Studied medicine in Madrid but dedicated himself to literature. A major novelist of his generation. His novels emphasize plot and action, featuring direct and straightforward characters. Known for adventure literature (Zalacaín the Adventurer) and trilogies addressing contemporary problems (The Struggle for Life, The Race).
José Martínez Ruiz “Azorín” (1873-1967)
Published articles, reviews, essays, and novels with minimal plots. Emphasized descriptions of environments and sensations. His novels are a succession of descriptive scenes (e.g., La Voluntad).
Antonio Machado (1875-1939)
Born in Seville, later moved to Madrid. His poetry is characterized by a search for meaning in time, expressed through symbols like the afternoon and the fountain. He explored rhythm and musicality, evolving from Modernist to simpler forms. Soledades expresses intimate feelings and emotions with a melancholic tone and evocative imagery, influenced by Modernist aesthetics.
Ramón del Valle-Inclán (1866-1936)
Born in Villanueva de Arosa (Pontevedra). A prolific novelist, known for his Sonatas. A major innovator of Spanish theater. Developed the esperpento, a grotesque and tragic deformation of reality (Bohemian Lights, Divine Words).