The Generation of '27: Spanish Literary Movement

The Generation of '27: A Defining Spanish Literary Movement

The Generation of '27 was a prominent group of Spanish writers born around the same time, deeply influenced by contemporary events. They faced similar challenges and reacted to them in comparable ways. Many came from the gentry, with a significant number residing at the famous Residencia de Estudiantes in Madrid, where they were mentored by intellectuals like Juan Ramón Jiménez and José Ortega y Gasset. The homage to Góngora is widely considered the pivotal event in the group's formation. Their collaboration in influential literary magazines such as Verso y Prosa, Litoral, and La Gaceta Literaria was also crucial to their collective identity.

Key Characteristics of the Generation of '27

• Influenced by both traditional and avant-garde literary currents.
• Sought beauty primarily through imagery.
• Showed a profound interest in universal human themes.
• Employed traditional verse forms, free verse, and rhythmic repetition of words, syntactic patterns, or parallel ideas.

Notable Authors of the Generation of '27

• Gerardo Diego

  His poems often explored traditional themes. He cultivated diverse subjects, including love, religion, and music. Notable works include El romance del Duende and Manual de espumas.

• Pedro Salinas

  Love was the central theme of his works. Key works include La voz a ti debida and Razón de amor.

• Rafael Alberti

  He participated in politics during the Spanish Civil War. After the war, he went into exile, living in Argentina and Italy. His works include Marinero en tierra and Sobre los ángeles.

• Federico García Lorca

  He founded La Barraca, a traveling theater company. His work often explored themes of tragedy and death, alongside elements of Andalusian folklore. Major works include Romancero gitano, Mariana Pineda, and Doña Rosita la soltera.

• Vicente Aleixandre

  The Mediterranean Sea is a recurring motif in his work. He was influenced by Rubén Darío. His entire body of work often revolves around the human condition, which he viewed with pessimism and anxiety. Key works include La destrucción o el amor and Sombra del paraíso.

• Miguel Hernández

  As a child, he worked in the fields, a shop, and a notary's office. Notable works include El rayo que no cesa and Viento del pueblo.

• Dámaso Alonso

  Influenced by Antonio Machado and Juan Ramón Jiménez, he described his own poetry as 'uprooted'. His works include Hijos de la ira and La lengua poética de Góngora.

• Luis Cernuda

  Influenced by Bécquer, he employed a conversational tone with everyday words and colloquialisms, and incorporated surrealist techniques. Key works include Variaciones sobre un tema mexicano and Ocnos.