Catalan Literature and Drama: 1920 to 1939

Catalan Narrative and Drama: 1920–1939

Factors Driving the Catalan Novel (1920–1939)

The narrative of this time saw several factors contributing to the growth of the novel genre:

• Stocks of major writers.
• Literary prizes to encourage the creation of the genre.
• The birth of publishing houses.
• The emergence of literary criticism.

Major Aesthetic Models of the Catalan Novel

The primary aesthetic models included:

• The novel of the Modernist tradition.
• The psychological novel.
• The novel of humor and social criticism.

The Modernist Tradition Novel

Modernist authors reappeared during this period. The main topics covered the impact of individuals on the world around them. Techniques derived from naturalism and realism, but also received Russian influence.

Example: Terres de l'Ebre by Sebastià Juan Arbó.

The Psychological Novel

This genre attempted to reflect the inner world of characters facing specific problems. This novel showed the influence of psychiatrist Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis.

Key Influences:

• Marcel Proust, À la recherche du temps perdu (In Search of Lost Time), which recounts feelings and memories.
• James Joyce, Ulysses.

Techniques Used in the Psychological Novel:

• Use of internal time and memory, where characters recall past events through feelings.
• Use of the first person perspective.
• Parallel stories.

Example: Laura in the City of Saints by Miquel Llor.

Novel of Humor and Social Criticism

This novel questioned the bourgeois world by means of humor and satire.

Example: Judith by Francesc Trabal.

This novel is characterized by absurd characters who often lack psychological depth.

The Short Story (Narrative)

Prominent authors included Salvador Espriu and Pere Calders. Characteristics of these works:

• Creation of a personal, poetic, and mythic universe.
• Appearance of characters and themes such as injustice, critique of bourgeois society, and death.
• The use of caricature, sarcasm, and satire.

Journalistic Prose

Josep Pla was a highly influential figure in this field. Journalistic prose included the following subgenres:

• Travel Books: The protagonist presents geographic and historical data alongside narratives of the events of a journey.
• Memoirs: The story of a character's life written by themselves.
• Biographies: Presents the life of a famous person.
• Chronicles: Analysis and assessment of current events.

Theater Streams (Drama)

The theater developed along three different streams:

1. The Bourgeois Comedy

This genre was aimed at the bourgeoisie. It developed plots where conflicts were resolved in a polite manner.

Example: Civilized, However by Carles Soldevila.

2. Theater of the Romantic Tradition

Led by Josep Maria de Sagarra. These plays showed conflicts faced by characters who were victims of their feelings within a social setting. This stream achieved great success.

Examples: Hostal de la Glòria and Marina Coffee.

3. Theater of Social Criticism

Led by Joan Oliver. This stream questioned the ideological underpinnings of the bourgeoisie through satire.

Example: What Perhaps Happened.

Literature During the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939)

The genres that enjoyed the highest prominence during the war were:

• The Short Story.
• The Chronicle.

Example: Crash Units by Pere Calders.

Poetry was primarily disseminated through journals. The novel and theater genres did not yield very positive results regarding the war theme, though Hunger by Joan Oliver is the most important work dealing with social and bellicose issues.