Galician Literature: 19th Century Authors and Works

Eduardo Pondal: Life and Literary Contributions

Eduardo Pondal (Ponteceso, 1835 - Madrid, 1917) began his studies with a bachelor's degree in 1848, followed by medicine and literature. He was proficient in Latin. He participated in the Lyceum Youth feast in Conxo and was associated with the Cova Celtic.

Pondal's Work

His work can be divided into two periods:

• First Period (1854-1868): Marked by a romantic trend, including the campaign of Anllóns in 1858 and contributions to the Obras Completas Anotadas de Eduardo Pondal (OAE) in 1992.
• Second Period (1877-1886): The era of regionalism, featuring works like Rumores de los Pinos (1877) and Queixumes dos Pinos (1886).

Os Eoas: An Epic Poem

Os Eoas, an epic poem, reflects Pondal's evolving thought. It began as an individual's epic feat and concluded as a collective epic. It is of great importance for the consolidation of Galician as a cultural vehicle and represents an attempt to create a national epic.

Themes in Queixumes dos Pinos

Queixumes dos Pinos represents a breakthrough in aesthetics, moving towards Pondalian symbolism and idealization. Key themes include:

• Civic and Ideological Purpose: Celtism and Bardism.
• Spartan Lyric: Emphasis on the importance of women and nature.

Pondal's Style and Literary Sources

Pondal's style is characterized by varied verses, symbolic interpretation of nature, and humanization of the landscape. He distinguishes between strong and weak elements, often employing epithets.

His literary sources are primarily classical, drawing from Greek and Latin literature. He shows a strong Latin influence, particularly from Virgil and Horace. Pondal was also influenced by Italian and Portuguese Romanticism. His engagement with Celtism, inspired by the Poems of Ossian, led to a more advanced poetic style.

Manuel Curros Enríquez: Life and Work

Manuel Curros Enríquez (Celanova, 1851 - Havana, 1908) earned a bachelor's degree in Madrid and studied law. He was a journalist and participated in the 1868 Revolution. He later moved to Brazil and became involved in the Galeguista literary movement.

Aires da Miña Terra

Aires da Miña Terra, first published in 1880, is a key work by Curros Enríquez. It addresses social issues, anticlericalism, and injustice, conveying a message of liberation for Portuguese society. The poetry also delves into intimate family history.

O Divino Sainete

O Divino Sainete (1888) is a narrative poem divided into nine parts, modeled after Dante's Divine Comedy. It showcases Curros Enríquez's use of common forms influenced by popular poetry.

Valentín Lamas Carvajal: Life and Work

Valentín Lamas Carvajal (Ourense, 1849-1906) was a prominent figure in Galician literature. His works include:

• Poetry: Espiñas, Follas e Frores, Saudades Gallegas, and A Musa da Aldea.
• Prose: Gallegada and Catecismo do Labrego.

Catecismo do Labrego gained him significant popularity. His purpose was to depict the misery of the peasantry. He was also a journalist for the periodical O Tío Marcos da Portela.

The Rise of Scientific Prose

Scientific prose emerged under the banner of realism, often overshadowed by poetry. Narrators had to endure this, leading to demonstrations of prose in realistic costume dramas.

Notable Authors

• Marcial Valladares: Maxina ou a Filla Espúrea.
• López Ferreiro: A Tecedeira de Bonaval, O Castelo de Pambre, and O Niño de Pombas.

Theater in the 19th Century

Theater in the 19th century saw a limited number of works, primarily focusing on historical drama.

Thematic Lines and Notable Works

• Historical Drama:
  • Galo Salinas: A Torre do Peito Burdelo.
  • Emilia Álvarez: Mari-Gaviota.
  • Juan Cuveiro: Pedro Madruga.
• Table Manners:
  • Francisco María de la Iglesia: A Fonte do Xuramento.
  • Jesús Rodríguez López: O Chufón.

Narrators of the 19th Century

• Luis Otero: A Capa do Alacrán.
• Juan Neira Cancela: A Besta!.
• Heraclio Pérez Placer: Contos da Tía.
• Francisco Álvarez de Nóvoa: O Abellón.
• Francisco Tettamancy: O Gaiteiro.