Catalan Psychological Novels and Literary Journalism (1920-1930)
The Psychological Novel in the 1930s: Carles Soldevila
The psychological novel became a dominant narrative force during the 1930s, championed by authors such as Carles Soldevila. These works focus on the intimate analysis of personality conflicts within the social environment of the era.
Key Works and Social Impact
Soldevila's most famous work, Laura a la ciutat dels sants (1931), caused a significant scandal by presenting the most negative aspects of a traditional city. His other notable novels include:
- Fanny (1929)
- Eva (1931)
- Valentina (1933)
These novels present the protagonist as a modern young woman of the time. Fanny, his most successful work, focuses on the thoughts, feelings, and concerns of a girl regarding sexuality.
Alternative Narratives and Parody
Experimentation with the psychological genre led to parodies and alternative narratives by writers such as Francesc Trabal and Pere Calders. Trabal, active in cultural journalism from an early age, was a founder of the Grup de Sabadell alongside Joan Oliver and Armand Obiols.
Other Prominent Novelists
Other significant authors of the period include:
- Cèsar August Jordana: Attempted to adapt the novel genre.
- Maria Teresa Vernet.
- Ernest Martínez Ferrando: Published Una dona s'atura en el camí.
- Sebastià Juan Arbó: Known for existentialist novels such as L'inútil combat and Terres de l'Ebre, set in the landscapes of the Ebro region.
Literary Journalism in the Republic
Literary journalism served as the primary route for press collaboration for authors like Carles Soldevila. His articles, published in the Fulles de dietari section of the newspaper La Publicitat, addressed everyday life, politics, and culture.
The Role of the Press
La Publicitat was the most important Catalan-language newspaper during the Republic. It featured:
- Converses filològiques by Pompeu Fabra.
- Contributions from J.V. Foix, Josep Carner, Josep Maria de Sagarra, and Josep Pla.
- Political analysis by Antoni Rovira i Virgili.
Magazines and Cultural Journals
Important publications of the era included:
- Revista de Catalunya (1924), founded by Rovira i Virgili, which published historical, literary, and artistic essays.
- L'Amic de les Arts and Hèlix.
- Mirador, a European-style weekly where Sagarra's L'aperitiu column achieved great success.
- El Be Negre, the most popular satirical magazine of the time.