Contemporary Spanish Poetry and Theater: Key Movements
Poetry of the Generation of ’68: The Novísimos
In the mid-1960s, a youth group emerged with the aim of innovating the world of poetry, characterized by aestheticism and culturalism. The publication in 1970 of the anthology Novísimos Spanish Poetry by José María Castellet confirmed a new poetic group proposing a change in the aesthetic trends of the moment. The main characteristic of this group, born after the Civil War, is a clear break with previous traditions. Other features include:
- Rejection
Literary Journey of Spain’s Generation of ’27
Stages of the Generation of ’27
It is difficult to separate the stages, but until the Civil War, three distinct periods can be observed:
Stage of Youth (until 1925)
During this period, some poets, like Gerardo Diego, were already known, while others were just beginning, seeking their own poetic style.
Late 1920s
All poets (with the exception of Miguel Hernández) had published important books and emerged as a generation of young poets. This is best seen with the integrating impulse of the ’27 poets.
1930s
Some
Spanish Theater Evolution: Post-Civil War to 1980s Drama
Challenges and Constraints of Post-Civil War Theater
The theater after the Spanish Civil War faced numerous difficulties and constraints. These included economic challenges, marked by a lack of interest from producers, and ideological and political pressures from a regime that imposed heavy censorship.
Two Major Trends Emerge (1940s)
Two major trends emerged in this period. The first was the ‘theatrical business,’ following the line of Benavente. This approach was favored by producers as it focused
Read MoreSpanish Baroque Literature: Góngora, Quevedo, and 17th Century Poetic Movements
The 17th Century: Spanish Baroque
A cultural and artistic movement developed throughout the seventeenth century, marked by economic, social, and political crises.
Baroque Thought and Culture
A period of pessimism and disillusionment. Humanist ideals gave way to deeper religious introspection. The sense of crisis was reflected in a culture of violent contrasts. Artistic expressions, exhausting their resources, led to exaggeration and force. Spanish literature reached its maximum splendor in this era.
Read MoreSpanish Literary Forms: Ballads and La Celestina
Ballads: Characteristics and Origins
Ballads are short epic-lyrical poems, generally composed to be written or sung with music. They are written in eight-syllable verses with assonance rhyme, often leaving odd verses unrhymed.
Source and Transmission
The origin dates back to the second half of the 14th century. Epics began to lose importance, and only famous passages remained in memory, leading to the romances. The hemistichs from Cantares de Gesta verses are considered the source of the romance.
Their
Read MoreLiterary Voices: Spain’s Generation of ’27 Poets
Jorge Guillén (1893-1984)
His two most important books are Song and Clamor. In Song, he presents a perfect world. In Clamor, he reflects on war, misery, pain, oppression, and torture. Despite these themes, the poet does not fall into despair or distress, maintaining his faith in life.
Gerardo Diego (1896-1987)
His work is characterized by a variety of topics and receives influences from Modernism, Ultraísmo, Creationism, Gongorism, and classical styles. Some notable titles include: Picture, Manual
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