The Dawn of Modernism: Characteristics and Key Authors

General Characteristics of Literary Modernism

Modernism in literature emerged in the late nineteenth century, roughly between 1880 and 1914.

It is a pivotal literary movement, often associated with the work of Rubén Darío, particularly his seminal text, Azul..., published in 1888 in Chile.

Modernism stands in opposition to Realism, drawing its linguistic and aesthetic foundation from two major lyrical movements of the second half of the nineteenth century:

• Parnassianism: It is a literary school that adheres strictly to the principle of "art for art's sake," featuring poetry based on exotic themes and elaborated in meticulous detail.
• Symbolism: This aesthetic movement encouraged writers to express their ideas, feelings, and values implicitly through symbols, rather than through direct statements.

Defining Features of Modernist Literature

The main characteristics of Modernism include:

• Escapism and the Unusual: Attraction to the odd, the unusual, and anything that offers temporary escape from reality.
• Aesthetic Renewal: Renewal of language and meter, pursuing refined musicality and a rich, sophisticated vocabulary.
• Elegance and Mythology: Love of elegance, explaining the consistent presence of materials like gold and gems. This aesthetic appeal often incorporates mythology and references to classical art.
• Spiritualism and Eroticism: The mixture of spiritualism and eroticism in both prose and poetry testifies to a love of mystery. Eroticism ranges from the exaltation of pleasure to the warning of its ephemeral nature.
• Symbolic Preference: Strong preference for symbolism; favorite Modernist symbols highlight the color blue and the swan.
• Universalism and Exoticism: Modernist universalism sought to transcend localism without losing touch with the self, often delving into the local culture. Exoticism manifests in two ways: transcending space or moving backward in time.
• Cosmopolitanism: The cosmopolitan spirit is simultaneously everywhere and nowhere. Paris is often cited as the most cosmopolitan city.
• Style and Language: Distinctive language and style, characterized by an abundance of metaphors and vivid images.

Literary Aspects and Genres

We can distinguish two primary aesthetic aspects within Modernism:

• Sensory Aspect: Cultivation of beauty and the senses. Focus on beautiful scenery, exotic locations (China, India, the Middle East), the past (medieval, classical world), elegant gardens, princesses, and beautiful women. Often associated with escapism.
• Intimate Aspect: Characterized by sadness, melancholy, or, conversely, vitality and sensuality. Preference for autumn and twilight, symbolizing intimacy and revealing the poet's inner world. Spanish Modernists often align with this aspect.

Key Authors and Works of Modernism

• Rubén Darío

  Azul..., Prosas Profanas, Cantos de Vida y Esperanza, El Canto Errante...

• Juan Ramón Jiménez

  Ninfeas, Almas de violeta, Poemas Escogidos, Segunda Antología Poética, Canción, Tercera Antología, Platero y yo...

• Ramón María del Valle-Inclán

  Flor de Santidad, Aromas de Leyenda, Las cuatro Sonatas...