Renaissance, Baroque, and Modern Age: A Literary Journey Through Spanish Culture
UNIT 11: The Renaissance
Cultural Comparison: Middle Ages vs. Humanism
Middle Ages
- Theocentrism
- Man is inherently flawed and judged by God.
- Life is a vale of tears.
- Art serves a didactic and moral purpose.
- Death is the ultimate end.
Humanism
- Anthropocentrism
- Man is inherently good.
- Life is to be enjoyed.
- Art is appreciated for its beauty.
- Classical ideals are valued.
- Memory and fame transcend death.
Early Renaissance Lyric
Italian opera influences the expression of beauty. Garcilaso de la Vega and Juan Boscán
Read MoreSpanish Literature from Romanticism to the 20th Century
Romantic Poets
Bécquer
Bécquer’s poetical works opened doors to intimacy, purity, sensitivity, and authenticity, straying from the typical Romantic lyricism inspired by German and Andalusian folk songs. His Rhymes are intense and emotional, striving for formal perfection through poetic simplicity. This evocative poetry is born of feeling, mixed with fantasy. His prose, particularly the Legends, expresses intimate emotions through fantastical stories.
Larra
Larra holds a significant place in Spanish
Read MoreNoucentisme, Avant-Garde & Spanish Literary Movements
Noucentisme
Noucentisme proclaims the need for intellectual rigor to find rational solutions to Spain’s problems while proposing innovative artistic ideals.
Key Features of Noucentisme
- European Influence: Europe embodies the values of rationality and modernity.
- Anti-romanticism: Sense and balance should prevail over the emotional sensitivity of earlier writers.
- Artistic Purity: It considers Modernism superficial and rejects the passion of the Generation of ’98 for lacking intellectual rigor.
- Intellectual
20th Century Spanish Theater: From Benavente to Lorca
Bourgeois and Realistic Theater
This genre, popular among the middle and upper bourgeoisie, focuses on social mores in urban settings. Jacinto Benavente, a playwright known for his technical skill, initially faced poor reception with plays like The Alien Nest, a story of jealousy. He later adapted to popular tastes, becoming a chronicler of high society with works like The Unloved, Lady Loves Saturday Night, Autumn Roses, and The Vested Interests.
Verse Theater
This form of 19th-century Romantic drama
Read More20th-Century Spanish Literature and Culture
Historical Context
- Reign of Alfonso XIII: His mother, Maria Cristina, ruled as regent until he assumed the throne.
- Primo de Rivera’s Rise to Power: Overthrew the regency of Maria Cristina.
- The Second Republic: King Alfonso XIII went into exile in Italy, leading to a period of instability and confrontation.
- Spanish Civil War (1936-1939): A period of armed conflict.
- Franco’s Dictatorship: General Franco ruled Spain after the Civil War.
- Restoration of the Monarchy: Following Franco’s death in 1975.
Cultural
Read More20th Century Latin American Literature: Regionalism to Magical Realism
The Regional Novel: Traditional Realism
Early 20th Century Trends
- Romance of the Earth: This theme explores the struggle between civilization and nature in the American landscape, often with mixed outcomes.
- Formal Characteristics: Traditional realism is applied to the American context, featuring committed narrators, flat characters, detailed descriptions, and diverse language reflecting regional variations.
- Representative Works: The Vortex by José Eustasio Rivera, Don Segundo Sombra by Ricardo Güiraldes,