Catalan Literary Movements: Modernism, Noucentisme, and Avant-garde

Modernism (1892-1906)

What period does Modernism encompass? From 1892 until 1906.

What characterizes this movement? The introduction of different aesthetic tendencies considered modern.

What stylistic trends contribute to renewed Modernist poetry?

• Regeneracionisme → Vitalism: Joan Maragall → Espontaneisme.
• Aestheticism → Symbolism: Rusiñol → Decadentisme.
• Pre-Raphaelitism: Alexandre de Riquer and Jeroni Zanné.
• Parnassianism (School of Mallorca): Miquel Costa i Llobera, Joan Alcover, Gabriel Alomar.

What kind of novels thrive during Modernism?

• The Naturalistic Novel: Raimon Casellas, The Fiery Assistant; Víctor Catala, Solitude; Adaptations: The Life and Death of George Fraginal.
• The Decadent Novel: Prudenci Bertrana, Josafat; Miquel de Palol, Path of Light.
• The Novel of Customs: Joaquim Ruyra, Marine and Woods; Rusiñol, The Tale of Mr. Stephen.

What are the two major theatrical currents consolidated during Modernism?

• The Aesthetic and Symbolist Theater: Rusiñol, The Joy That Passes, Ants and Cicadas, and The Tale of Mr. Stephen; Adrià Gual, Nocturne and Blancaflor's Silence.
• Regeneration and Naturalist Theater: Ignasi Iglésias, Goblin Fire, The Heart of the Village; Joan Puig i Ferreter, Enchanted Waters, The Lady of Love.

Why is 1906 a key year for Catalan literature? Because Modernism ends with the death of Joan Maragall and the twentieth century begins.

Noucentisme

Who was the theorist and ideologue of Noucentisme? Eugeni d'Ors.

What values did Noucentisme promote? For what purpose? Noucentisme promoted Classicism, Mediterraneanism, civility, and intellectualism with the aim of creating a modern culture.

What is the most valued and cultivated genre during Noucentisme? Poetry, because it was considered the most cultured genre.

When is Noucentista poetry considered to be born? 1906, with the publication of two titles: Horacianes by Miquel Costa i Llobera and Els fruits saborosos by Josep Carner.

Who was the "prince of poets"? Cite some of his works. Josep Carner: Heart's Quiet, Nabi, Els fruits saborosos, Beasts.

What role does the novel play during Noucentisme? A secondary role until 1925 with Josep Maria de Sagarra's novel Private Life. Other notable works include: A Novel and Without Generation by Carles Soldevila; Laura to the Holy City by Miquel Llor; Death of a Lady by Llorenç Villalonga; Caminos de França by Joan Puig i Ferreter; Vals by Francesc Trabal, and Aloma by Mercè Rodoreda.

How important is woman in Noucentisme theater? It largely circumvents the theatrical genre. Notable works include: Carles Soldevila's Civilitzats, tanmateix; Josep Maria Millàs-Raurell's La Llúcia i la Ramoneta; and Joan Oliver's Quasi un paradís and Ball robat.

Avant-garde Movements

Why do European avant-garde movements appear? Explain briefly. They emerged to go against the previous bourgeois tradition. Examples include Cubism, Futurism, Dadaism, and Surrealism.

Catalan Avant-garde Poetry

What are the two major trends in Catalan avant-garde poetry? The so-called "Terrorists" who embraced the avant-garde, and the Symbolists, in search of "pure poetry".

• Terrorists: J.V. Foix, Gertrudis and KRTU; Joan Salvat-Papasseit, L'irradiador del port i les gavines and Poemes en ondes hertzianes.
• Symbolists: Josep Sebastià Pons, Cants de l'ocell i la perdiu; Carles Riba, Les Elegies de Bierville.
• Among the Symbolists or non-Terrorists: Josep Maria de Sagarra, El Poema de Nadal and Cançons d'Ara i d'Adés.