18th Century Literature: Neoclassicism, Enlightenment, and Pre-Romanticism

18th-Century Literature: A Period of Transition

Neoclassicism: A Return to Classical Rules

The 18th century witnessed a complex interplay of literary movements. Neoclassicism sought to revive classical principles, emphasizing:

1. The three unities in theater: place, time, and action.
2. Purity of genre.
3. Poetic decorum: a balance between substance and style, influencing character portrayal.
4. Didactic purpose: literature should both entertain and educate, fostering good citizenship.

The Enlightenment: Reason and Reform

The Enlightenment, originating in France, championed reason as the primary source of knowledge. This emphasis on rational discourse led to the period also being known as the "Century of Lights".

A key concern was the advancement of knowledge and the belief that education could lead to more peaceful societies. An intellectual elite determined the educational curriculum, resulting in a system known as enlightened despotism, summarized by the motto: "Everything for the people, but without the people."

Didactic prose and essays flourished, aiming to persuade readers on contemporary issues. Prominent Spanish essayists like Padre Isla, Feijoo, Jovellanos, and José Cadalso navigated the complexities of reconciling their thought with Catholic doctrine, leading some scholars to question the presence of a true Enlightenment in Spain. This intellectual current contributed to a reformist ideology that continued to influence later generations of Spanish thinkers, including Espronceda and Larra in the 19th century, Joaquín Costa at the turn of the 20th century, the Generation of '98, and later, the Generation of '14.

Pre-Romanticism: A Glimpse of the Future

Towards the end of the century, the "Sturm und Drang" movement emerged in Germany, emphasizing imagination, dreams, intuition, and emotions as sources of knowledge. This pre-Romantic sensibility is evident in José Cadalso's "Noches lúgubres".

Theater and Poetry in the 18th Century

Playwright Leandro Fernández de Moratín adhered to classical principles in his works, notably "El sí de las niñas," which critiques the practice of young women marrying much older men.

Poetry, too, embraced didacticism, often at the expense of emotions and imagination. Fables by Iriarte and Samaniego, using simple language, animal characters, and clear moral lessons, exemplified this trend.

The Legacy of 18th-Century Literature

Ignacio de Luzán's "La Poética" codified the characteristics of 18th-century literature. While the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason may have limited creative expression, its focus on rhetoric and clear communication laid the groundwork for future literary developments. Moreover, the writers of this era championed essential principles like freedom, equality, and human solidarity, leaving a lasting impact on Spanish thought.