18th Century Spain: Enlightenment, Neoclassicism, and Literary Reform

The Enlightenment in 18th Century Spain

The Illustration, also known as the Enlightenment, was a philosophical and political movement characteristic of the 18th century. The enlightened thinkers believed that knowledge should be based on reason and that progress should challenge European traditions, customs, etc. Rationalism promoted scientific development, and numerous discoveries were made, such as the steam engine, electricity, lightning rods, and vaccines. Progress and reforms were aimed at utility for all. Religion was sidelined, and there was a belief that progress would improve living conditions. The principles of the Enlightenment were reflected in social life through the elimination of slavery and the extension of education.

Neoclassicism

Neoclassicism involved a return to the models of Latin and French classicism. Literature distinguished between epic and dramatic genres, separated tragedy and comedy, and adhered to the rule of three unities in drama: time, place, and action.

Key Literary Genres and Authors

• Essay: A written statement with didactic intent on various subjects. Authors of the 18th century used essays to defend their ideas.
• Cartas Marruecas (Moroccan Letters): A collection of letters exchanged between a Moroccan and a Spaniard, criticizing various aspects of Spanish society, such as the useless and parasitic nobility and excessive religiosity.
• Anacreontic Poetry: Short-verse compositions with a festive and cheerful tone, celebrating love and sensual pleasure.
• Pre-Romantic Poetry: A group of young poets with ideals similar to those of the French Revolution initiated a new style of poetry characterized by rhetorical devices such as ellipses, broken sentences, and emotionally charged adjectives. Notable poets include Manuel José Quintana, José María Blanco White, and Alberto Lista.
• Sainete (Farce): Short, comic pieces performed during intermissions of major works.
• Moratín's Theater: Sought to create credible works using simple language appropriate to the characters.

Prose in the 18th Century

Many prose works of the 18th century sought to reform society. The first newspapers, magazines, and calendars were published, and literature was delivered in installments, expanding the readership. The literary novel as a genre disappeared, and the essay became the preferred genre for prose writers.

Important Authors

• Benito Feijoo: A defender of Enlightenment ideas and a critic of superstitions.
• Ignacio Luzán: His Poetics (1737) established the rules for the new classical ideal.
• Cadalso:
  • Noches Lúgubres (Mournful Nights) opens with the death knell that maddens his beloved; he tries to dig up her corpse to perish along with her.
  • Los Eruditos a la Violeta (The Pseudo-Intellectuals) is a satire of superficial education.
• Jovellanos: The leading Enlightenment figure in prose. His writings addressed the most important problems of the country and outlined his reformist ideas. Notable works include "Report on Public Entertainment," "Report on the Agrarian Law," and "Report on Public Education."

Theater

Despite the popularity of Baroque theater, Neoclassical theater was imposed by those in power. Illustrated drama gradually occupied the theatrical scene, although the sainete enjoyed greater acceptance. Ramón de la Cruz was a prominent figure in this genre.

Leandro Fernández de Moratín

Spanish tragedy of the 18th century did not achieve success. Neoclassical comedy, or morality plays, only found success with the works of Moratín. Leandro Fernández de Moratín wrote five plays, censoring bad habits:

• El Viejo y la Niña (The Old Man and the Girl) and El Sí de las Niñas (The Maidens' Consent) criticize arranged marriages.
• La Comedia Nueva o El Café (The New Comedy or The Cafe) satirizes Baroque plays.
• La Mojigata (The Prude) criticizes false piety and religious hypocrisy.

Moratín's dramas followed the rule of the three unities.