The Generation of '27: Spanish Literary Innovation and Synthesis

The Generation of '27: Literary Innovation and Synthesis

In the 1920s, this exceptional group of poets lived in a common cultural context.

Defining Characteristics of the Generation of '27

• Poets born around 1898.
• Strong fellowship and friendship among members.
• Significant influence and cultural exchanges.

Vanguard and Tradition: A True Synthesis

With their cosmopolitanism and openness to contributions coming from Europe and America, the poets of '27 valued and rescued past authors and styles, creating a true synthesis of vanguard and tradition.

They rescued forms of traditional Spanish literary past, known as neopopularismo. They paid special attention to the poetry of the Golden Age, especially Góngora.

The stay of many of them in European countries and the dominance of other languages allowed them to meet the great contemporary poets. They incorporated various vanguard subjects and resources, although they did not adhere strictly to any particular movement.

Themes, Forms, and Stages of the Generation of '27

The major human themes—love, the universe, fate, and death—populate the works of the poets of '27. The poets cultivated both the traditional image and the visionary image.

Major Themes

• The City: Linked to the futuristic vision, imbued with optimism.
• Love: Presented as the fullness of the individual and supports all possible manifestations, emphasizing freedom.
• The Arts: Clearly influenced by literary vanguards.
• Nature: Sometimes conceived as an environment; in others, it becomes part of the poetic subject.

Stages of the Generation of '27

1. First Stage (Pre-1929): Pure Poetry and Balance

   This stage coincided with the splendor of the vanguards, striking a balance between art and tradition. During these years, they cultivated pure poetry.

2. Second Stage (Post-1929): Surrealism and Re-humanization

   Around 1929, authors such as Lorca and Alberti suffered serious personal crises and found a way to translate their conflicts through Surrealism. This produced a re-humanization process focused on the exploration of the self.

3. Third Stage (Post-1939): Disintegration and Commitment

   In 1939, the Generation of '27 as a group disintegrated dramatically. The theme of commitment continued in the works of these poets, although they followed different paths.