Decadentism, Symbolism, Parnassianism & Pre-Raphaelitism
Decadentism, Symbolism, Parnassianism, and Pre-Raphaelitism
Decadentism
Decadentism is a complex movement. A body of literature emerged in the final part of the 19th century that joins some features of the Parnassians, Symbolists, and the *poètes maudits* (‘damned poets’). It stems from a very pessimistic vision of existence, which is considered problematic and degraded, sometimes seeking aesthetic and vital refinement. That is why the figure of the dandy is closely linked to the poet. The dandy’
Read MoreLuis Cernuda and Rafael Alberti: Spanish Poets
Luis Cernuda
Luis Cernuda was born in Seville in 1902. A pupil of Pedro Salinas, he lived in Madrid and was a Reader at the University of Toulouse in 1928-29. During the Spanish Civil War, he actively supported the Republican cause. In 1938, he went into exile, and lived in Mexico from 1953, where he died in 1963. His personality was characterized by being solitary, sensitive, and vulnerable, feeling like a marginal creature, and by his mismatch with the world, his rebellion, and his concealed homosexuality.
Read MoreCatalan Theater and Literature: Sagarra and Villalonga
Catalan Theater in the Early 20th Century
Catalan theater was in crisis in the early decades of the 20th century. Some authors, inspired by the French theater model, began writing works reflecting the bourgeoisie’s hegemony, moving away from the realist tradition and exploring their own family conflicts. These crises also led to the inclusion of critical elements.
Josep Maria de Sagarra (1894-1961)
Josep Maria de Sagarra studied law at the University of Barcelona (UB). In 1914, he published his first
Read MoreHispanic American Literature: Authors and Works
Miguel Hernandez:
Inexhaustible metaphorical imagination. Works: Proficient in moons that never ceases Ray (Ramon Sijé Elegia), Wind of the people, He lurks, Cancionero i romance absences.
Poetry Rooted:
Topics: Love, Family, Catholic Faith. Estilo: Language sober and balanced. Luis Rosales: April and house burning.
Poetry Uprooted:
Topics: Search for the meaning of human existence, expressive force. Damaso Alonso: Hijos de la ira, Dark story, Man and God.
Realism Existential
Bitter Reflection of everyday
Read MoreJourney Through Spanish Literary History
Spanish Literature: Medieval to Renaissance
Medieval Period
Mester de Juglaría
Minstrels were traveling entertainers who recited poems, juggled, and performed various acts. The Mester de Juglaría refers to the works of these minstrels, often anonymous, with irregular meter, assonance, and heroic themes. The most important work is Cantar de Mio Cid.
Mester de Clerecía
This poetic school emerged in the 13th century, featuring educated clergy as authors. Their works had regular meter, religious themes,
Read MoreLate 20th and Early 21st Century Galician Poetry
The Post-Franco Era: A Literary Renaissance
1975 marked a turning point in Galician literature. The death of Franco ushered in a democratic era, granting the Galician language official status and fostering a literary resurgence. This led to a surge in publishing houses, literary awards, and magazines, promoting literature in Galician.
In poetry, With Gunpowder and Magnolia, alongside Arcadio López Casanova’s Trades (1976), spearheaded this transformation. Authored by José Luís Méndez Ferrín,
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