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 individualism. In Spain, this period coincided with the Bourbon dynasty’s ascension and a shift towards European intellectual currents, particularly French Neoclassicism.

Key Events and Figures:

• Felipe V (1700-1746): Introduced the Decrees of Nueva Planta, establishing institutions like the National Library and the Royal Spanish Academy.
• Fernando VI (1746-1759): Focused on developing specialized centers for scientific and technical training.
• Carlos III (1759-1788): A patron of the sciences and a key figure in promoting Enlightenment ideals.

Socio-Economic Changes:

• Growth in agriculture and population.
• Improvements in production techniques.
• Liberalization of trade.

Stages of the Spanish Enlightenment

The Enlightenment in Spain was primarily a minority movement, influencing educated elites and spreading through gatherings and intellectual circles (novatores). It can be divided into three stages:

1. Early Enlightenment (1680-1760): Marked by reformist ideas and criticism of traditional thought. Key figures include Father Feijoo, Ignacio Luzán, and Diego Torres Villarroel.
2. Full Enlightenment (1760-1788): The most influential period, with figures like Nicolás Fernández de Moratín and José Cadalso advocating for social and educational reform.
3. Decline of Enlightenment (1788-1814): While authors like Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos and Leandro Fernández de Moratín continued to produce significant works, the movement’s momentum began to wane.

Characteristics of the Spanish Enlightenment

• Reformist, not revolutionary: Spanish Enlightenment thinkers sought gradual change through education and reform, rather than radical upheaval.
• Emphasis on education: Education was seen as crucial for transforming society, promoting rational thought, and fostering a sense of national identity.
• Religious tolerance: Enlightenment thinkers advocated for a more tolerant and less superstitious form of religion.
• Dissemination of ideas: The Enlightenment spread through various means, including educational institutions, journalism, and social gatherings like the Royal Academies and the Societies of Friends of the Country.

Literature of the Spanish Enlightenment

Language and Style:

• Standardization of the Spanish language: The Royal Spanish Academy (founded in 1713) played a key role in establishing a standard form of Spanish and promoting its use over Latin.
• Neoclassical influence: Neoclassical principles, emphasizing order, clarity, and reason, shaped literary styles.

Poetry:

• Anacreontic and Rococo poetry: Celebrated life’s pleasures and feminine beauty, often in pastoral settings.
• Moral and philosophical poetry: Reflected the intellectual concerns of the Enlightenment.
• Didactic poetry: Used fables and satire to critique social vices and promote moral behavior. Key figures include Tomás de Iriarte.

Late 18th-Century Poetry:

• Salamanca School: Poets like Nicasio Álvarez de Cienfuegos and Manuel José Quintana explored pre-Romantic themes, including sentimentality and exoticism.
• Seville School: Poets like José María Blanco White and Alberto Lista sought greater freedom of expression within the Neoclassical framework.

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)