Catalan Poetic History: Decadence, Renaixença, and Modernism

Renaissance Decadence and Italian Influence

The decadence of Renaissance poetry in Catalan literature saw Spanish influence. Ausiàs March attempted to introduce metrical innovations from Italy. Pere Serafí influenced the incorporation of popular and Italian poetry. A conservative approach, counter to these trends, continued the tradition of March.

Baroque Poetry and Castilian Models

Catalan Baroque poetry was characterized by the prestigious imitation of Castilian poetic models, focusing on metrical structure and rhetorical linguistic expression. Francesc Vicent Garcia, a high representative, created contrived and elegant poetry with a strong satirical intent in his humorous and eschatological works.

The Recovery of Poetry: The Renaixença

During the period of Romanticism, the recovery of poetry (the Renaixença) began, though many poets still wrote in Castilian. The Renaixença truly started with the publication of the magazine El Vapor and the poem "La Pàtria" by Bonaventura Carles Aribau. Aribau, away from his country, sought a way to transport its spirit there.

The Jocs Florals and Literary Restoration

Joaquim Rubió i Ors (pseudonym: Lo Gaiter del Llobregat), in the foreword of his book, discussed restoring the Jocs Florals (Floral Games). This annual poetry contest was restored in 1859, focusing on patriotic, religious, and loving themes, judged by the Mestre en Gai Saber (Master in Gay Science).

Jacint Verdaguer: Epic and Lyric Master

Jacint Verdaguer came from a peasant family, was familiar with the vernacular, and had studied classical literature and rhetoric. Ordained a priest, he served a Marquis, which enabled him access to culture, travel, and books. His particular focus on charity led to an exaggerated confrontation with the Church hierarchy and the practice of exorcism. Catalan society was divided between those favorable and contrary to him, culminating in a significant funeral mass.

Major Works of Verdaguer

Verdaguer's output spanned epic and lyric poetry, alongside prose:

• Epic Poetry:
  1. L'Atlàntida: Mythological epic concerning the collapse of the continent Atlantis and the feeling of the discovery of America.
  2. Canigó: Set in the Pyrenees, this work tells a legend related to the Christian reconquest of territories dominated by the Saracens.
• Lyric Poetry: Patriotic (e.g., "La Pàtria"), Religious (e.g., "Flors del Calvari").
• Prose: Popular tales, essays, articles, etc.

His work was built upon extensive documentation, book research, and excursions.

Modernist Poetry and European Trends

Modernist poetry modernized Catalan literature through translations, the creation of literary magazines, and engagement with contemporary issues like industrialization and anarchism. Key European trends adopted included regenerationism, vitalism, decadence, and aestheticism.

Joan Maragall: Poetics of Spontaneity

Joan Maragall came from a small family involved in industrial textiles. He studied law and maintained strong links to the literary and intellectual circles of his time. He frequently criticized the behavior of the bourgeoisie in his opinion articles and essays on poetry. He also produced translations. Maragall expressed intimate feelings about everything that impassioned him. The poet posited a Poetics of Spontaneity, arguing that vocational creation is the result of inspiration and the emotion produced by the moment.