Baroque and Neoclassicism: Spanish Literature Evolution
Baroque: 17th Century
Historical Context
In Spain, the final kings of the Habsburg dynasty reigned: Philip III, Philip IV, and Charles II. This century was characterized by a progressive loss of political hegemony and a decline in both political and economic stability.
Social Structure
The divide between the aristocracy and the common people increased. Furthermore, the bourgeoisie lost wealth in favor of the nobility.
Cultural Context
This century was defined by the Baroque art movement, characterized by an attempt to reflect the country's status through artistic expression.
Literary Context
- The disappointment caused by the country's situation influenced writing and reading, transmitting a sense of general pessimism.
- Despite the gloomy environment, literature experienced moments of glory.
- In poetry, the style diverged from the Renaissance, featuring two main trends: conceptismo and culteranismo.
- In prose, the picaresque novel continued, and the greatest Spanish novel, Don Quixote de la Mancha, was written.
- The theater reached moments of brilliance, becoming a national spectacle accessible to all walks of life.
Key Authors
- Lyric: Lope de Vega
- Drama: Calderón de la Barca
- Novels and Short Stories: Cervantes
Neoclassicism: 18th Century
Historical Context
In Spain, the Bourbon dynasty was established, ruling under the principles of enlightened despotism. The king used absolute power to boost the economy, enhance public education, and eliminate feudal burdens.
Social Structure
- The population increased, but the country remained largely backward.
- The monarchy was supported by the bourgeoisie to promote improvements, as the nobility was often reluctant to change.
Cultural Context
This century was defined by the Neoclassical art movement, characterized by a return to classical restraint and the Enlightenment—a cultural movement that advocated for the use of reason to understand the world. In Spain, Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos was a prime example. The recurring ideas of the Enlightenment included:
- Valuing balance and reason over the expression of raw feeling.
- The belief that art should serve to instruct.
Literary Context
- Artistic creation, imbued with the spirit of the Enlightenment, aimed to educate.
- In poetry, the style shifted toward simplicity and traditional themes.
- In prose, the most commonly used genre was the essay.
- Theater aimed for credibility, presenting works with simple, plausible arguments.
Key Authors
- Lyric: Juan Meléndez Valdés
- Prose: José Cadalso
- Prose: Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos