The Spanish Novel: From Existentialism to Social Realism and Beyond
Discontent and Frustration: A Shift Towards the Social
The early Spanish novels of the mid-20th century reflected a prevailing sense of discontent and frustration. Gradually, writers began to focus on the social concerns of the time, marking a shift from existential themes to social realism. This transition is evident in novels from the 1950s, such as “Quiet Time” by Martín Santos and “The Hive” by Camilo José Cela.
The year 1954 is considered a pivotal point for the social novel in Spain, with the emergence of the Generation of 1955, which included authors like Ignacio Aldecoa, Ana María Matute, and Rafael Sánchez Ferlosio. Their works explored themes of solidarity with the poor, dissatisfaction with Spanish society, and a longing for social change, echoing the ideas of Jean-Paul Sartre, who advocated for literature as a form of social commitment. This new realism emphasized objectivity and focused on observable behaviors, influenced by the behaviorist psychology of B.F. Skinner. Authors meticulously described the actions of their characters, refraining from delving into their inner thoughts and emotions.
Spanish Society in the Narrative: Techniques and Themes
The narrative of this period often depicted the harsh realities of Spanish society, including the living conditions of rural communities, the struggles of the working class, and urban poverty. While the technical aspects of storytelling might have been less refined, the social message was paramount. Descriptions of environments were abundant, and the narratives followed a linear structure, typically unfolding within a short timeframe. Central characters often represented a specific group or class, sometimes even embodying a collective identity, as seen in “The Hive.”
This emphasis on objectivity led to a diminished role of the author, with the narrator adopting a detached, chronicle-like tone. Dialogue mirrored the language of the time, reflecting the speech patterns of different social classes. Authors like Cela, Matute, and Aldecoa demonstrated exceptional skill in capturing the nuances of language and style.
The Novel and its Renewal in Spain and Beyond
The early 20th century witnessed significant innovations in the novel, with writers like Franz Kafka, James Joyce, and William Faulkner pushing the boundaries of storytelling. Marcel Proust’s “In Search of Lost Time” explored introspection and psychological analysis in depth, while Joyce employed parody and experimented with narrative structures. Faulkner, a member of the Lost Generation, challenged readers with his complex and fragmented narratives.
The French New Novel (nouveau roman) emerged as a movement that sought to break free from traditional novelistic conventions. This involved a departure from conventional plot structures, character development, and narrative techniques.
Features of the New Non-Spanish Narrative
The concept of the “disappearance of the author” became prominent in modern fiction, signifying a shift away from the omniscient narrator. This led to two main narrative approaches: objectivism and perspectivism. In objectivist narratives, the narrator focuses solely on observable behaviors without offering explanations or interpretations. Perspectivism, on the other hand, presents the story from the viewpoints of different characters, offering multiple perspectives on the events.
Other experimental techniques included the use of second-person narration, free indirect style, interior monologue, authorial digressions, and the incorporation of poetic language and typographical effects.
The Spanish Novel After 1962: A Shift in Direction
Around 1962, a sense of fatigue with the dominant realism began to emerge. Authors became increasingly aware of the experimental trends taking place internationally. Established authors from previous decades, such as Cela, Miguel Delibes, Martín Santos, Álvaro Cunqueiro, and Gonzalo Torrente Ballester, sought to incorporate these new approaches into their work. They were joined by the Generation of 1955, also known as the Generation of the New Century, who embraced experimentation and pushed the boundaries of the Spanish novel.
The Authors of the 1970s: Experimentation and a Return to Tradition
The authors of the 1970s, belonging to the Generation of ’68, continued to explore experimental techniques, delving into the realms of the dreamlike, the imaginative, and the unexpected. However, this period of intense experimentation eventually led to a certain impasse. Without abandoning the innovative aspects they found valuable, these authors began to moderate their approach, returning in some ways to the traditional elements of the novel. This marked a renewed focus on storytelling and narrative content, with authors like Torrente Ballester leading the way back to traditional forms.