Spanish Literature: Romanticism, Realism, Modernism, and Post-War Trends
Romanticism: Key Features
Freedom: Romanticism breaks the rules.
Subjectivism: The main objective is the intimate “I”.
Themes:
- Expression of self
- Rebelliousness
- Social and philosophical problems
- Legendary and historical themes
Characters: Marginalized, rebellious, freedom-loving individuals, and passionate players marked by fate.
Nationalism: Deep love for one’s homeland.
Evasion: Favorite time periods are the Middle Ages and the Renaissance; escape to exotic and marvelous countries.
Atmosphere: Mystery and the grave, preferably at night; solitary sites, ruins, darkness.
Realism: Characteristics
- Detailed description of characters and environments (psychological novel).
- Omniscient narrator (all-knowing).
- Observes, reports reality.
- Prefers narrative because it is the genre best suited to show reality.
Themes: Marriage, family, infidelity.
Environments: Urban, rural, industrial.
Language of different registers to differentiate social classes.
Modernism: Defining Aspects
Themes:
- The existential mood of the poet
- Dreams
- The mysterious, sinister influence of Bécquer
- Contrast between idealized love and eroticism
Environments: Favorite times are the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and Classical Antiquity.
Metrics: Cultured stanzas.
Style: Seeks formal beauty. Symbols are used. Highly educated vocabulary and sensory values create a world full of sensuality.
Post-War Poetry
Rooted Poetry
Consists of poets who gathered around the magazine Garcilaso. Their songs are intimate, seeking the formal perfection of the poem. The sonnet is the preferred stanza.
Authors: Gª Nieto, Panero, L.F. Vivanco, Rosales, Morales, and D. Ridruejo.
Carmen Laforet’s *Nada*
Reflects the social unrest of the time, projected onto social problems. Andrea is the protagonist and narrator. The title is Nada, which shows the disillusionment felt when discovering a miserable reality. The masterful novel characters reflect the post-war environment. The miserable play takes place in two spaces: the house, where time is stopped by constant conflicts, and the street, where the protagonist flees to liberate herself.
Theme: Andrea’s maturation because of the experiences she lives.
Simple and direct language of great lyricism.
Antonio Buero Vallejo’s *Historia de una Escalera*
Theme: The desire for human fulfillment and limitations.
Structure: Divided into three acts:
- Expression of wishes for happiness
- Failure and resentment at the inability to achieve objectives
- Open ending: nonconformity and dreams
Characters: Various families; the drama of social causes, frustration, and weakness of character.
Spanish Theater During the Civil War
Modern Drama
Colorful and sonorous, like modernism. Aims to revive Golden Age themes but does not achieve its strength. The themes and characters are historical. Example: *Poetic Theater* by the Machado brothers, such as *Lola is Going to the Ports*.
Comic Theater
Sent to the town; its themes and characters are popular. Mixes genres like farce and *zarzuela*. Has an entertainment purpose for the people.
Authors: Muñoz Seca, *Don Witch’s Revenge*.
Renovating Theater
Includes the theater of humor; intelligent humor is based on absurd situations. This theater is the best at the moment.
Authors: Azorín, *Old Spain*.
Traditional Theater
Its themes and characters are bourgeois; it is directed mainly to the bourgeoisie.
Authors: Jacinto Benavente, *The Unloved*.