Evolution of Poetic Expression Through Eras

Poetic Production Through the Ages

Poetic production appears ancient, lyrical, and deeply emotional, reflecting the soul of the dreamer. It covers a variety of lyrical topics and forms (metric and strophic), often highly elaborate, found even in the Books of the Bible. The poets sang their compositions, sometimes drawing from the fables of Aesop.

Medieval Period (XII-XIII Centuries)

In the medieval land of Provence, Provencal language poetry appeared. Authors, the troubadours, also composed the accompanying music. Minstrels sang in castles during the X century to entertain the nobility, showcasing great metric and strophic production. Courtly love was a game between a troubadour and a gallant lady, often the noblewoman of the feudal court. The poet sang the beauty and nobility of his lady.

The Modern Age and Renaissance

The first major figure emphasizing modern European poetry was Petrarch, followed by Ausias March, a Valencian noble knight and poet. The Literary Renaissance brought the concept of Carpe Diem, meaning one must enjoy the moments because life is fleeting.

The Arrival of Romanticism

In the late eighteenth century, the arrival of Romanticism began to take shape. Emotions replaced the postulates of reason, asserting individual freedom and a return to nature, often in opposition to progress. This is reflected in rustic, rugged landscapes.

The Romantic spirit is often tormented because its ideals cannot be achieved. The free spirit collides with social norms; the search for love cannot live in plenitude. There is a belief that there is no justice in the world, leading to discontent, a desire to flee, and a desperate search for one's place in the world, often looking for roots in the past.

Symbolism and the Twentieth Century

Mid-nineteenth century saw the rise of the poetic movement that powerfully influenced poetry: Symbolism. The Symbolist poets considered literary language not merely a vehicle for expression and feelings, but attached great importance to the formal aspect and the symbolic power of the poem and its words. Key figures include the Frenchman Charles Baudelaire (Les Fleurs du mal).

The Twentieth Century presented poetry with a variety of shapes and themes:

• Appealing to the struggle and commitment to transform the world.
• Singing the poet's intimate world.
• Reflecting on experience and the sense of life.

Poets created new forms of experimental poetry, such as the calligram or visual poem. Stresses are placed on:

• Joan Salvat Papasseit, Catalan avant-garde poet.
• Guillaume Apollinaire, French poet and popularizer of the calligram.