Authors and Themes of Spanish Modernism & Gen '98

Spanish Modernism

Modernism began in the late nineteenth century, originating in Latin America. Key figures who created and spread this movement include José Martí and Rubén Darío.

The most important characteristics of Modernism include:

• An aesthetic focus, always seeking beauty above all else.
• A desire to escape reality, often setting works in remote locations, both spatially and temporally.
• Frequent expression of feelings like boredom, apathy, and melancholy.
• Common use of symbolic elements.

The Generation of '98

The Generation of '98 refers to a group of authors born in the late nineteenth century whose texts addressed two main themes: the decline of Spain and existential angst. The texts of the Generation of '98 show a strong influence from contemporary philosophical currents.

These authors often used landscape descriptions symbolically and lyrically.

Poetry in the Era

The two main poets spanning the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries are Rubén Darío and Antonio Machado.

Rubén Darío

Rubén Darío (1867-1916) is the foremost representative of Modernism. He authored three foundational poetry collections: Azul... (Blue...), Prosas Profanas (Profane Prose), and Cantos de vida y esperanza (Songs of Life and Hope).

• Azul... and Prosas Profanas showcase aesthetic Modernism.
• Cantos de vida y esperanza represents an evolution towards more intimate and reflective poetry.

Prose Developments

Modernism and the Generation of '98 both renewed narrative forms, though in distinct ways:

• Modernist Prose: Characterized by poetic, musical language rich in evocative imagery.
• Generation of '98 Prose: Authors primarily cultivated the essay and the novel. Their essays addressed the decline of Spain and their existential concerns.

José Martínez Ruiz (Azorín)

José Martínez Ruiz (Azorín) (1873-1967) published articles, literary criticism, essays, and novels. In Azorín's texts, the plot is often minimal, with great attention paid to describing environments and sensations. His novels often present a series of descriptive small scenes attempting to capture the rhythm of real life.

Theatre Innovations

Early twentieth-century theatre marked a break from the previous century. One successful author was Jacinto Benavente, who promoted a new, more realistic comedy featuring critical dialogue. However, the great innovator of the Spanish stage was Ramón María del Valle-Inclán.

Key Authors of the Generation of '98

Miguel de Unamuno

Miguel de Unamuno (1864-1936). Born in Bilbao, he lived in Salamanca, where he was a university professor. He worked in various literary genres but focused on the essay and the novel.

Essays and Fiction

His essays alternated between existentialist reflection and contemplation on Spain. His novels prioritize philosophical and intellectual content. He coined the term 'nivola' for his novels, characterized by minimal action and extensive dialogues and inner monologues. Notable examples include San Manuel Bueno, mártir (Saint Manuel the Good, Martyr) and Niebla (Fog).

Pío Baroja

Pío Baroja (1872-1956). Born in San Sebastián, he studied medicine in Madrid but dedicated himself to literature.

Baroja's Novels

In his novels, Baroja emphasized plot and action. Characters are often portrayed schematically and directly. Notable works include Las inquietudes de Shanti Andía (The Concerns of Shanti Andía) and Zalacaín el aventurero (Zalacaín the Adventurer).

El árbol de la ciencia (The Tree of Knowledge)

In El árbol de la ciencia, Baroja tells the story of Andrés Hurtado, a young man who studied medicine. Throughout his life, Andrés witnesses the country's backwardness and social misery.