Evolution of Contemporary Poetry: From Exile to Experience

Contemporary Poetry

During the war, poetry was the most cultivated genre, and the most prominent theme was exile. The poetry was characterized by continuing with the symbolist tradition, but the symbolism evolved into pure poetry. Avant-garde, experimental, and visual resources appeared. In the sixties, historical or social realism emerged.

Crisis of Realism in the Seventies

Since the seventies, realism entered a crisis, and poetry became characterized by eclecticism and a certain trend. New proposals emerged, and poetic works were published by authors of the postwar era because these poets coexisted with the realistic trend, moving away from realism.

New Poetry: Intimacy and Experience

Realism intended to achieve social change, but many poets felt ideologically disillusioned. On the other hand, there was a greater knowledge of our language, and poets felt inclined toward experimentation and innovation. This explains the emergence of a new poetry that is discursive, descriptive, rich in images, and with a language full of connotations. This new poetry is about expressing intimacy, experience, and existential release of tension.

Poetry of Experience in the Eighties

During the eighties, this trend developed further, with preferred themes affecting the individual rather than the community. This new aesthetic is called the poetry of experience.

Nineties: Technological Changes and Diversity

In the nineties, technological changes that allowed for more information and changing values in our society led to a change in poetry. However, the diversity of aesthetics shows the self-satisfaction in Western society today.

Miquel Martí i Pol: The People's Poet

Miquel Martí i Pol is known as a poet and considered the poet of the people. He is characterized by his own experiences and creates an inner world where serenity appears.

Impact on Society

He achieved a great impact on society because his poetry expresses themes very plainly, by binding his native people, social workers, personal commitment to his social class, and his country. He manifests the disease he suffered and his attitude towards the research of knowledge itself and the world around him.

Expression of Human Feelings

Since his illness, he created an original poetic world as an expression of human feelings: love, desire, and death.