Catalan Modernism: Literary Evolution and Key Figures

Early Phases of Modernism

The movement known as Catalan Modernism saw distinct phases in its development. The second phase marked the culmination of the understanding of all artists and intellectuals. Catalan intellectuals, particularly through the magazine L'Avenç, began to feature social criticism. Symbolist authors, however, did not adapt well to this new direction.

The third phase of Modernism, in contrast, tilted markedly towards decadentism. Santiago Rusiñol, a prominent figure, delivered a speech defending his conception of art almost as a religion, emphasizing its spiritual and aesthetic dimensions.

Consolidation: The Sitges Modernist Festivals

The Modernist Festivals, held in Sitges, were crucial in consolidating the movement. The premiere of a significant fairy play brought together all the leading Modernist artists, solidifying their collective identity and artistic vision.

The Catalònia Magazine Era

The creation of the magazine Catalònia represented a significant turning point, signaling the overcoming of the decadent stage. This publication introduced new European authors and their literary currents to Catalonia. It sought to maintain a delicate balance between the older, decadent tendencies and a new, vitalist edge. When Catalònia ceased publication, it was succeeded by La Veu de Catalunya, which was defined as a liberal nationalist newspaper. This period already marked the decline of Modernism as a dominant movement, paving the way for the literary trends of the twentieth century.

Decline and New Literary Voices

The final phase saw new magazines attempting to rekindle the movement's initial spirit. The magazine Poble Català (The Catalan People) tried to rebuild a Modernist front, with the intellectual Eugeni d'Ors collaborating. On the other hand, Joan Maragall and Joaquim Casas-Carbó began to cooperate in La Veu de Catalunya. Finally, the magazine Catalunya, directed by Josep Carner, was published, reflecting the evolving literary landscape.

Key Author: Narcís Oller

Narcís Oller was a prolific author, known for his six significant novels:

• La Papallona (The Butterfly): Predominantly features romantic elements, with a foreword written by Émile Zola.
• L'Escanyapobres (The Usurer): Explores the moral degradation of man and the transformation of rural society.
• Vilaniu: Features romantic elements, depicting a family's life in a small town.
• La Febre d'Or (The Gold Rush): Chronicles the transformation of Barcelona society, the emergence of a new bourgeoisie, and the social and moral ascension and degradation associated with it.
• La Bogeria (Madness): Can be considered a naturalistic work.
• Pilar: Describes the life of a widow, showing an evolution from Oller's previous works and an attempt to approach new literary aesthetics.

Characteristics of Oller's Works

Oller's novels consistently exhibit several general literary procedures and thematic elements:

• Setting of all open spaces in two distinct frames: urban and rural.
• Repetition of sub-themes across his works.
• Focus on social transformation caused by the Industrial Revolution (IR).