20th-Century Spanish Poetry: From Existentialism to Surrealism
From Existentialism to Surrealism in 20th-Century Spanish Poetry
Dámaso Alonso
Dámaso Alonso was a renowned scholar, researcher, creator, and reader. His deep knowledge of Spanish literature is evident in his essays, including The Poetic Language of Góngora (1935) and Spanish Poetry (1950), which focuses on Renaissance poets like Garcilaso, Fray Luis de León, and St. John of the Cross, as well as Baroque poets such as Lope, Quevedo, and Góngora.
His first book, Pure Poems and Short Poems of the
Read MoreSpanish Poetry: From Modernism to the Avant-Garde
Antonio Machado
Solitudes (1903)
Machado’s first book, Solitudes, reflects the modernist style with intimate and symbolist poetry from the period of 1889-1902. Published when Machado was 27, this short collection of 42 poems showcases his early poetic development. The tone is distinctly modernist, with strong intimist elements. The landscape becomes a projection of the poet’s mood, utilizing symbolism that would become a hallmark of his style—the park, the fountain, the evening. The passage of time
Read MoreThe Generation of ’14 and the Avant-Garde in Spain
The Generation of ’14 (Novecento)
The Generation of ’14 refers to a group of Spanish writers who chronologically fall between the Modernism movement, the Generation of ’98, and the Generation of ’27. Their primary objective was to aesthetically renew the literature and art of their time, moving towards a more modern style characteristic of the 20th century. These writers explored various fields of knowledge, not limiting themselves exclusively to literature. Essayists played a crucial role in this
Read MoreEvolution of Poetry and Prose: From Troubadours to Humanism
Survival of Troubadour Poetry
From the fourteenth century onward, European society shifted away from the strict feudal system. The growth of large cities gave way to an urban culture characterized by the emergence of a new social class: the bourgeoisie. Although Catalan-speaking society was deeply involved in this change, poetry based on the troubadour model continued to thrive into the 15th century.
Floral Games
In 1323, the Consistory of the Gaia Science was created to organize an annual poetry contest.
Read MoreThe Evolution of Catalan Poetry: From Troubadours to Ausiàs March
The Golden Age of Catalan Poetry
From Troubadour Tradition to Renaissance Influences
Early Influences (Late 14th – Early 15th Century)
Jaume March (1335?-1410) and Pere March (1338?-1413), father and uncle of Ausiàs March, respectively, represent the link to the troubadour tradition. Jaume, maintainer of the poetic Consistory of Barcelona and author of a rhyming dictionary, and Pere, defender of moral values in society and introducer of lyrical classes, helped shape the poetic landscape of their time.
Read MorePre-Renaissance Literature: A Transition to Humanism
The Pre-Renaissance: A Period of Transition (15th Century)
The 15th century witnessed a crisis in the medieval value system. A new mentality, more grounded in reality, gradually emerged, foreshadowing the Renaissance (16th century). This era is known as the Pre-Renaissance, a period of transition.
Society and Culture:
- The rise of a new social class: the bourgeoisie, fueled by flourishing commerce.
- Towns, linked to trade, gained importance, and the court played a crucial role in cultural development.