The Spanish Enlightenment: A Historical and Literary Overview

Posted on Sep 26, 2024 in Social sciences

The Spanish Enlightenment

Historical Context

The 18th century saw the rise of the Enlightenment, an intellectual and philosophical movement emphasizing reason and observation. In Spain, this period coincided with several significant changes:

  • Change of Dynasty: Felipe V of the Bourbon dynasty ascended the throne, aligning Spain more closely with European intellectual currents, particularly French Neoclassicism.
  • Efforts to Overcome Decay: Felipe V implemented reforms like the Decrees of New Plant, establishing institutions such as the National Library, the Royal Spanish Academy, and the Royal Academy of History.
  • Scientific Development: Fernando VI and Carlos III fostered scientific advancements by creating specialized centers for mathematicians, physicists, and other experts.
  • Socio-Economic Progress: The rise of agriculture, increasing population, and improvements in production techniques contributed to a more dynamic society.

Stages of the Enlightenment in Spain

The Enlightenment in Spain was primarily a minority movement, influencing educated elites. Its dissemination relied on gatherings and publications. Historians often divide it into three stages:

  1. Early Enlightenment (1680-1760): This era focused on reform and criticism, beginning with the publication of Teatro crítico universal by Father Feijoo. Other prominent figures included Ignacio Luzán, Diego Torres Villarroel, and Benito Jerónimo Feijoo.
  2. Full Enlightenment (1760-1788): This period marked the peak of the movement’s influence. Key figures included Nicolás Fernández de Moratín, José Cadalso, and Tomás de Iriarte.
  3. Decline of Enlightenment (1788-onward): While the movement’s influence waned, important authors like Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos and Leandro Fernández de Moratín continued to contribute.

Characteristics of the Spanish Enlightenment

The Spanish Enlightenment was reformist rather than revolutionary, emphasizing education as the key to transformation. Its proponents advocated for:

  • An enlightened religion, free from superstition.
  • Love for the nation and obedience to the sovereign and civil laws.

Means of Dissemination

Carlos III and his like-minded intellectuals employed various means to spread Enlightenment ideas:

  • Educational Reforms: Proposals for educational reform aimed at modernizing the system.
  • Journalism: The periodical press emerged as a powerful tool for disseminating information and ideas.
  • Social Gatherings: Traditional gatherings transformed into academies for study and research.
  • Royal Academies and Societies: Institutions like the Royal Academies and the Societies of Friends of the Country played a crucial role in promoting intellectual exchange.
  • Private Academies: Literary salons, such as the famous one at the Hotel de San Sebastian founded by Nicolás Fernández de Moratín, provided spaces for intellectual discussion.

Literature in the Spanish Enlightenment

Role of Literature

Literature became an instrument for social transformation and the diffusion of new ideas. The Spanish language gained prominence, replacing Latin in official contexts. The Royal Spanish Academy, founded in 1713, aimed to standardize the language and published a dictionary based on Sebastián de Covarrubias’ Tesoro de la lengua castellana.

Poetry

While early 18th-century poetry retained Baroque elements, a new style emerged around 1750, reflecting Neoclassical trends. The second half of the century saw the rise of poets like Juan Meléndez Valdés, José Cadalso, and Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos. Different poetic modes prevailed:

  • Illustrated Poetry: Focused on scientific and philosophical themes, reflecting the influence of rationalism.
  • Rococo Poetry: Celebrated love and feminine beauty in short, lyrical verses, often set in pastoral environments.
  • Didactic Poetry: Found expression in fables, with Tomás de Iriarte’s literary fables criticizing literary vices and his moral fables promoting ethical behavior.
  • Satirical Poetry: Employed various forms, from quatrains and epigrams to triplets, to critique social and literary shortcomings.

Late 18th-Century Poetry

A growing dissatisfaction with the lack of emotion in Neoclassical poetry led to the exploration of new poetic paths. Two prominent schools emerged:

  • Salamanca School: Poets like Nicasio Álvarez de Cienfuegos, Manuel José Quintana, and Juan Nicasio Gallego explored sentimental, exotic, and funerary themes, foreshadowing Romanticism.
  • Seville School: Associated with the Academy of Humane Letters, this group embraced Neoclassical principles while advocating for greater poetic freedom. Key figures included José María Blanco White and Alberto Lista.

Key Institutions of the Spanish Enlightenment

  • National Library (1712)
  • Royal Academy of History (1738)
  • Societies of Friends of the Country
  • Museo del Prado (1785)
  • Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando (1751)
  • Royal Spanish Academy (1713)