The Evolution of the Spanish Novel: Post-Civil War Stages

The Spanish Novel After the Civil War: Context and Characteristics

Following the Spanish Civil War, a long period of severe deprivation began, profoundly reflected in the national narrative. Key characteristics of this era include:

• Some established authors (like Azorín and Baroja) continued to publish, though often lacking the vigor of their earlier works.
• Many authors faced censorship or ended up in exile.
• The novel experienced a surge in the 1940s, striving to reflect the appropriate postwar situation.
• The literature reflected a deep moral uncertainty and an existential desire for social complaint across Spain and Europe.

Stages of the Post-War Spanish Novel

1. The Novel of Exile (1930s)

The authors reflected concerns about Spain, focusing on the Social Novel genre, often written from exile.

• Key Works: Réquiem por un campesino español (Ramón J. Sender), The Magic Labyrinth (Max Aub).

2. Major Trends of the 1940s

This decade saw a search for new narrative approaches, resulting in four main trends:

• Evasion: Focused on the vision of the victors. Example: Rafael García Serrano (The Faithful Infantry).
• Continuation of Manners: Employed realistic themes and techniques. Example: Juan Antonio Zunzunegui.
• Humorous Current: Lighthearted and often satirical. Example: Wenceslao Fernández Flórez (The Living Forest).
• Committed/Renovators (LS40): Authors who sought renovation and addressed darker realities. Example: Camilo José Cela (La familia de Pascual Duarte).

3. The Social Novel (1950s)

This stage featured strong criticism against the regime and social injustices, often appealing to objectivism (documentary style).

• Key Authors and Works:
  • Camilo José Cela (The Hive)
  • Jesús Fernández Santos (Los Bravos)
  • Alfonso Grosso (The Trench)
  • Caballero Bonald (Two Days of September)
• Influences:
  • French: Existential Novel, Objectivist Novel (Nouveau Roman).
  • Italian: Continuation of Neorealism, cinematic influences (e.g., Fellini).
  • USA: The Lost Generation (Hemingway and John Dos Passos).

Sub-Trends of the 1950s Realism

The realism of the 1950s split into two main approaches:

1. Objectivist Realism (R. Objetivista):

   Based on psychologistic theory, specifically behaviorist theory (focusing on human behavior). Characteristics include:

   • Reduced authorial presence.
   • Simplicity.
   • Limited structural role of characters.
   • Argument is a succession of anecdotes.
   • Temporal and spatial concentration.

   Key Authors: Jesús Fernández Santos, Carmen Martín Gaite.

2. Critical Realism (R. Crítico):

   More critical and intentional in character, utilizing social class analysis.

   Key Authors: Alfonso Grosso and Caballero Bonald.

4. The Experimental Novel (1960s)

Marked by social and ideological renovation, this stage introduced complex narrative techniques.

Characteristics:

• Multiple viewpoints.
• Limitation of the importance of the argument (plot).
• Complex structure (kaleidoscopic counterpoint).
• Use of interior monologues.
• Freedom in styles and languages.

Key Works: Tiempo de silencio (Luis Martín-Santos), Signs of Identity (Juan Goytisolo).

5. Narrative After 1975 (Post-Dictatorship)

Following the end of the dictatorship, there was a widespread production of diverse works (novels, short stories, etc.).

General Characteristics:

• Pleasure in abandoning previous thematic constraints.
• Humorous and ironic tone.
• Coexistence of various styles and themes.
• Focus on "great characters" who are often helpless beings.
• Light and varied structures.

New Trends (Otras Tendencias):

• Crime Novels: The Truth About the Savolta Case (Eduardo Mendoza).
• Culturalist Novel: Javier Marías.
• Historical Novel: The Fencing Master (Arturo Pérez-Reverte).
• Intimate Novel: Juan José Millás.
• Experimental Novel: Continued exploration of form.