Generation of 1927: Spanish Poetry Revolution

G.27: Third Góngora Anniversary

The Ateneo de Sevilla marked the third death anniversary of Góngora, a pivotal moment for the group known as the Generation of 1927. Góngora's unpublished metaphors profoundly influenced these poets, characterized by their intellectual rigor, artistic conscience, and precise language. Often labeled poetas deshumanizados, their focus also included reviving Spanish poetic traditions, both learned (re-evaluating Góngora) and popular.

Key Characteristics of G.27

• Tradition and Modernity: Blending classical Spanish literature with modern influences like Creationism, Surrealism, and Utilitarianism. They drew from Romanceros, octosyllabic verse, and popular themes, alongside Góngora's complex metaphors.
• Emphasis on Metaphor and Image: Seeking lyrical beauty through innovative imagery.
• Metric Innovation: Experimenting with poetic forms.
• Thematic Variety: Exploring traditional themes like love and death, as well as everyday subjects.

Prominent Authors of G.27

Luis Cernuda

• First Stage: Rebellion against social norms, surreal undertones.
• Second Stage: Introspective and personal.
• Final Stage (Exile): Desolation and longing.

Pedro Salinas

• First Stage: Pure poetry with avant-garde influences.
• Second Stage: Conceptual depth in La voz a ti debida and Razón de amor.
• Final Stage: Clarity and concern over dehumanization.

Jorge Guillén

• Cántico, Clamor, and Homenaje form his major work, Aire Nuestro.

Vicente Aleixandre

• Surrealist Stage: Destrucción o el amor.
• Second Stage: Historia del corazón.
• Later Works: Poemas de la consumación.

Gerardo Diego

• Avant-garde Stage: Imaginative and playful imagery.
• Traditional Stage: Versos humanos.

Dámaso Alonso

• Hijos de la ira, a deeply human work from his second stage.
• Earlier works include Poesía pura and Hombre y Dios.

Rafael Alberti

• Marinero en tierra (First Stage: Nostalgia).
• Cal y canto (Second Stage: Traditional).
• Sobre los ángeles (Third Stage: Avant-garde).
• El poeta en la calle (Fourth Stage: Social).
• Entre el clavel y la espada (Fifth Stage: Exile).

Miguel Hernández

Often associated with G.27, though some critics, like Dámaso Alonso, consider him an epilogue. Notable works include El rayo que no cesa, Viento del pueblo, and El hombre acecha.