20th Century Spanish Theatre: From Sketches to the Absurd
20th Century Spanish Theatre
Early 20th Century Trends
In the early 20th century, Spanish theatre was divided into two main categories: popular entertainment and artistic renewal.
Popular Theatre
This category included:
- Sketches: Short, comedic plays based on popular stereotypes and settings. Andalusian sketches often featured lighthearted dialogue and emotional themes, while Madrid sketches focused on characters from traditional neighborhoods with humorous language and puns. Some playwrights, like
Narrative Prose in the Spanish Golden Age: A Guide
Narrative Prose in the Spanish Golden Age
1. Prose Fiction vs. Didactic Prose
Didactic Prose:
Didactic prose aims to teach and offer moral reflections. It often employs satire and irony. Didactic works include:
- Political treatises
- Philosophical essays
- Satirical-moral narratives
These works typically targeted a select audience.
Prose Fiction:
The primary function of prose fiction is to entertain, though it may also contain instructive elements. It strives to blend the marvelous and fantastical with believability.
Read MoreThe Generation of ’27: A Deep Dive into Spanish Poetry
The Generation of ’27
In the early 1920s, Spanish poetry was dominated by the works of Juan Ramón Jiménez and the avant-garde ideas of Creationism and Ultraísmo. Although these movements declined, young poets began to emerge, reinforcing their presence in Spanish lyricism. This culminated in the 1930s with a major poetic group: the Generation of ’27.
Some poets of this era sought the ideals of Noucentisme and pure poetry. These poets were influenced by Juan Ramón Jiménez, Ramón Gómez de la
Read MoreMiguel Hernández Gilabert and Other Spanish Poets
Miguel Hernández Gilabert (1910-1942)
Miguel Hernández Gilabert (Orihuela, October 30, 1910 – Alicante, March 28, 1942) was a Spanish poet and dramatist. From humble beginnings, he had to leave school early to work. However, he still developed his capacity for poetry thanks to being an avid reader of classical Spanish poetry.
Part of the literary circle in Orihuela, where he met Ramon Sijé and established a great friendship with him. In 1930 he began to publish his poems in magazines such as El
Read MoreSpanish Theater from 1900 to 1936
Spanish Theater from 1900 to 1936
Introduction
Of all literary genres, drama is the most influenced by external factors. Commercial conditions heavily influence drama because plays require financial investment, and producers want to make a profit. A play will only premiere if the producer believes it will be profitable. They will rarely take risks with innovative works. National theaters are funded by taxes, and their evolution depends on the economic climate. Additionally, audiences tend to be conservative,
Realism and Modernism in Spanish Literature
Realism in Spanish Literature
Objective
Realism aimed to reflect contemporary life authentically. It was based on the observation and description of the world around the writer.
The Rise of the Bourgeoisie
The bourgeoisie, a powerful social class, held conservative positions. This class experienced significant growth in Western Europe due to industrial and commercial development.
Social Conflict
The urban proletariat began to demand their rights, leading to clashes with the bourgeoisie. These conflicts
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