Spanish Literature: From Generation of ’98 to Post-War
Spanish Literature: From the Generation of ’98 to Post-War
The Narrative of the Century up to 1939
The literary renewal of the Generation of ’98 is characterized by the following features:
- Predominance of an ideology, within the concept of engaged art, with the determination to get to the bottom of the issues, and formulate solutions, if only purely subjective, abstract, or theoretical (i.e., literary).
- Driven by intense philosophical concerns, the components of the generation raised questions about
Spanish Literature: From Medieval Epics to the Golden Age
Epics
Epics stand out in France with the Songs of Roland, in England with Beowulf, and in Germany with the Nibelung. In Spain, during the Middle Ages, there was a long tradition of epic poetry in Castilian. These are historical stories written in verse, based on heroes. The most important thing for them is honor in a chivalrous society.
Sources: These epics were created from different sources: the carmina maiiorum, the French epic, and Arab-Andalusian epics and folklore. The literary tradition of
Read MoreSpanish Novelists Before the 20th Century: Azorín, Valle-Inclán, Unamuno, and Baroja
36 Prior to the Novel
Azorín (1873-1968)
Azorín evolved from youthful anarchism to a very clear conservatism. What is most striking in his novels is that the borders between essays and novels are blurred. In these novels, the plot is less important, seeming more like an excuse to link rooms or a gallery of characters. Notable works include The Will, Confessions of a Small Philosopher, and Doña Inés. Language plays a key role because the style is very slow and clear. Descriptions are accomplished
Read MoreSpanish Literature: From Gypsy Ballads to Modern Poetry
**Gypsy Ballads: Federico García Lorca’s Masterpiece**
Publication: First published in the Revista de Occidente in 1928. The work was not completely unknown, as the author had recited it orally on multiple occasions. The book’s success matched its popularity in oral transmission.
**Stylistic Features of the Traditional Ballad:**
- Use of dialogue without introductory verbs or indication.
- Sudden onset and conclusion of the story.
- Use of parallelisms, anaphora, and paronomasia.
- Use of traditional narrative
Literary Movements: Realism, Naturalism, Modernism, and the Generation of ’98
Realism
Realism is characterized by a focus mainly on characters of the bourgeoisie. It is a reflection of the bourgeoisie, often in novel form, and seeks to portray social reality accurately and objectively through credible descriptions. This is based on meticulous observation of reality. The authors usually use a realistic, omniscient point of view, and the author’s comments are frequent to influence the reader’s opinion. Also striking is the use of a natural style and colloquial language.
Naturalism
Naturalism
Spanish Poetry: War, Post-War, and Blas de Otero’s Evolution
Spanish Poetry of War
The social conflict preceding the Spanish Civil War, and above all, the war itself, decisively influenced the course of poetry. Speaking of the Generation of ’27, we had seen how poetry suffered profound changes, from dehumanized formalism to “rehumanization.” During the war, this trend continued. In general, we can speak of an abandonment of aestheticism and a culture of poetry urgent, almost utilitarian in nature, oriented toward the propaganda of the ideals of both sides.
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