Spanish Literature: Poetry, Theater, and Narrative (1950-1990)

Posted on Mar 12, 2025 in Latin

Spanish Poetry: 1950s and Beyond

1950s: Social Poetry

In the 1950s, poetry transitioned from individual existential concerns to expressing political protest and collective anguish. The language became simpler and more direct, aiming to reach a wider audience. Key figures include:

  • Blas de Otero: Pido la paz y la palabra (I Ask for Peace and the Word), Ángel fieramente humano (Angel Fiercely Human), Redoble de conciencia (Roll of Conscience)
  • Gabriel Celaya: Cantos Iberos (Iberian Songs)
  • José Agustín Goytisolo
  • José Hierro
  • Vicente Aleixandre: Historia del corazón (History of the Heart)

1960s: Poetic Renewal

This decade saw a synthesis of existential and social poetry, leading to poetic renewal. Prominent poets include:

  • Claudio Rodríguez
  • Jaime Gil de Biedma
  • José Manuel Caballero Bonald
  • Ángel González
  • José Ángel Valente

1970s: The *Novísimos* and Beyond

The *Novísimos* (Newest) represented a significant shift in Spanish poetry. Key characteristics and poets include:

  • Culturalism and Experimental Poetry: Pere Gimferrer, Leopoldo María Panero.
  • Poetry of Communication: González, focusing on personal anecdote, narrative structure, and simple language (often called “poetry of experience”).
  • Poetry of Silence: This trend viewed poetry as a form of exploring mystery, opposing logic and rational thought. It embraced anti-realism and creative freedom.

Spanish Theater: 1950s to 1970s

1950s and 1960s: Limited Criticism

During the Franco regime, theater offered limited open criticism, primarily relying on humor. Several types emerged:

  • Existential Theater (Minority): Focused on characters tormented by anxiety, isolation, and loneliness. Examples include Antonio Buero Vallejo’s *Historia de una escalera* (Story of a Staircase) and Alfonso Sastre’s *Escuadra hacia la muerte* (Condemned Squad).
  • Comic Theater: Explored disillusionment with life and the pressure of social conventions. Key playwrights were Enrique Jardiel Poncela and Miguel Mihura.
  • Social Theater (Critical): Addressed social injustice and lack of freedom. Notable works include Alfonso Sastre’s *La mordaza* (The Gag), Lauro Olmo’s *La camisa* (The Shirt), and Antonio Buero Vallejo’s *Un soñador para un pueblo* (A Dreamer for a Town) and *Las Meninas*.

1970s: Experimental Theater

The 1970s saw the rise of innovative, experimental theater with a message of social criticism. It emphasized public participation, actors’ body expression, music, and light. Important figures include José Luis Riaza, Sanchis Sinisterra, Fernando Arrabal, Francisco Nieva, and Buero Vallejo.

Spanish Narrative: 1950s to 1990s

1950s: Social Realism

The novel underwent a renewal, denouncing unjust social situations. This period is associated with the “generation of half a century.” Key authors and works include:

  • Ignacio Aldecoa
  • Carmen Martín Gaite
  • Rafael Sánchez Ferlosio: *El Jarama*
  • Ana María Matute
  • Juan Goytisolo
  • Camilo José Cela: *La colmena* (The Hive)

Themes: Roughing it in the countryside, the world of work, idle youth of the bourgeoisie, and the war. The narrative often featured a collective protagonist and aimed for objective realism.

1960s: Experimental Narrative

This decade saw the introduction of new narrative formulas, heavily influenced by foreign authors like Kafka, Proust, and the Latin American Boom (Cortázar’s *Rayuela*, Vargas Llosa’s *La ciudad y los perros*, García Márquez’s *Cien años de soledad*, Jorge Luis Borges, Alejo Carpentier, Juan Rulfo). Key Spanish works and authors include:

  • Luis Martín-Santos: *Tiempo de silencio* (Time of Silence)
  • Miguel Delibes: *Cinco horas con Mario* (Five Hours with Mario)
  • Camilo José Cela: *San Camilo, 1936*
  • Gonzalo Torrente Ballester
  • Juan Goytisolo: *Señas de identidad* (Marks of Identity)
  • Juan Benet: *Volverás a Región* (You Will Return to Region)
  • Juan Marsé: *Últimas tardes con Teresa* (Last Afternoons with Teresa)
  • Eduardo Mendoza: *La verdad sobre el caso Savolta* (The Truth About the Savolta Case)

Experimental Narrative Techniques:

  • Interior monologue: Reproduction of characters’ thoughts as they arise in their consciousness.
  • Change in point of view: Shifting from first to third person.
  • Ironic statements and sequences separated by spaces.

1975-1990s: Post-Franco Narrative

With the beginning of democracy, the novel saw a resurgence. Key authors include:

  • Luis Mateo Díez
  • Julio Llamazares
  • Manuel Vázquez Montalbán