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Ramón Gómez de la Serna: Spanish Avant-Garde Pioneer

Ramón Gómez de la Serna was a main introducer of the avant-garde (vanguardia) in Spain, starting at only 20 years old. He founded the Prometheus magazine, where he defended new European trends. He created a body of work that broke with conventions due to its originality.

Characteristics and Ramonismo

As a major literary figure, Gómez de la Serna helped shape his own movement, Ramonismo. This way of understanding literature is conceived as a phenomenon transcending genres. Its key features include:

• Fragmentary vision
• Objectification and dehumanization
• Unusual associations
• Humor

Major Works

• Theatre: Seres y medios (approximate title based on original text 'beings means')
• Novel: El novelista
• Ramón:

Avant-Garde Narrative: An Introduction

Vanguard Narrative: In the early decades of the twentieth century, avant-garde movements exerted great influence on narrative. From a refreshing perspective, the novel sought to break with traditional approaches and explore new forms.

Key Features of Avant-Garde Narrative

• Urban Environments: Avant-garde narratives reflect the changes in rural and urban life. Cities are modernized, and their conflicts are explored.
• Prevalence of the Intelligentsia: The narrative often prioritizes the problems and perspectives of intellectual characters.
• Inner Worlds: Principal characters express their innermost thoughts and feelings, drawing the reader into their subjective experiences.
• Use of Imagination: Imagination becomes

San Juan de la Cruz (1542-1591)

San Juan de la Cruz undertook to reform the Carmelite order, aiming for monks to return to a more austere and contemplative lifestyle. His reform efforts led to his imprisonment.

Major Works

• Dark Night of the Soul
• Spiritual Canticle
• Living Flame of Love

Literary Style and Influence

His literary style was influenced by Italian metrics (like the lira) and biblical texts. He expressed the union of the soul with God as a loving relationship, where the soul (the beloved) seeks Christ (the Beloved). He utilized symbols drawn from nature, such as the night and fire.

Lasting Relevance

Centuries later, his work influenced the poetic current known as Symbolism, which recognized San Juan de la Cruz as an important forerunner.

Spanish