Trends in Post-War Catalan Poetry and Prose
Post-War Catalan Poetry (1943-1970s)
Early Post-War Period and Existentialism
In the early post-war period, a basic cultural infrastructure began to emerge in Valencia with the appearance of editorials and literary magazines. Amidst the desolation and hardship caused by the Spanish Civil War and World War II, existentialism (Albert Camus, Jean Paul Sartre) took root among Valencian poets. This nonconformist movement prioritized issues arising from the human condition and reflected the anxiety of living in an absurd world.
Some Valencian poets, associated with the “Group of Post-War Poetry” (1943-1960), explored symbolism and existentialist themes. Their poems often exhibited:
- Estrangement from reality
- Reflexive discourse on pain, death, and absurdity
- Religious and humanist views
- A tendency towards secrecy and symbolic language
These poets used metaphors, symbols, and expressive silence to suggest reality and promote a poetic discourse rooted in religiosity and humanism, distanced from immediate reality.
The Rise of Realism in the 1960s
In contrast to the previous generation, young poets of the early 1960s embraced realism. The publication of three crucial works in 1960 marked this shift:
- The Skin of a Bull by Salvador Espriu
- Da Nuces Pueris by Gabriel Ferrater
- Paid Holidays by Peter Quart
This realist poetry aligned with the theoretical concepts of “historical realism” or “socialist realism” (as postulated in the 1934 Soviet Congress of Writers) and Marxist thinkers like Georg Lukács, Antonio Gramsci, Lucien Goldmann, and Bertolt Brecht. It was characterized by:
- Social Attitudes: Poets shifted from feeling like chosen individuals to identifying with the common person and embracing solidarity.
- Poetic Experience: Writing became an act to be shared with society, not just a cryptic, personal endeavor.
- Inspiration: Reflection stemmed from real-life experiences, not solely from the symbolic power of words.
- Language: Poetic discourse became specific and unambiguous, employing a direct and even colloquial tone.
- Protagonist: The hero became an ordinary person immersed in everyday life.
- Purpose: Poetry acquired a social function, aiming to enrich and liberate individuals from oppression.
- Target Audience: Poetry became accessible to all readers, not just the educated elite.
In line with this realist trend, the Nova Cançó (New Song) movement emerged, aiming to restore the public use of language through music and disseminate anti-Franco and nationalist messages, bypassing censorship. Raimon, with his first song “Al Vent” (1959), became a prominent figure, achieving significant social impact.
Quim Monzó and the Reflection of Contemporary Society
Eighty-Six Stories and a Unique Style
Quim Monzó (Barcelona, 1952) is a renowned author of short stories, notably the collection Eighty-Six Stories (1999). His writing avoids the overly formal language that characterized some Catalan literature.
Monzó’s stories surprise and disturb. His meticulous technique and consistent style, far from simplifying language, enhance the impact of his narratives. Each word is carefully chosen and irreplaceable. His prose captivates not through ornamentation but through its precision, stripping words of their everyday neutrality and restoring their original power. This renders even common phrases fresh and impactful, making his prose as inimitable as that of any great writer.
Themes of Emotional Conflict and Urban Alienation
Monzó’s stories reflect contemporary society by focusing on emotional conflicts. He explores the loneliness of young people and the struggles individuals face in navigating relationships and finding companionship. He avoids melodrama, opting for a detached and stark portrayal of the complexities of sex and love.
Another recurring theme is the exasperation of urban life. Loneliness, despair, boredom, and the absurdity of daily routines are depicted through encounters between anonymous neighbors, clients in bars, and individuals wandering the streets. These aimless journeys often become a mix of ritual and play, strategies for coping with madness and desolation.
Monzó also delves into the act of writing and creating, exploring the paradoxes, ambiguities, and enigmas inherent in literature. His stories support multiple interpretations, demonstrating his respect for the reader’s ability to engage with complex narratives.