Generation of '27: Spanish Poets and Poetry

Generation of '27: A Poetic Fusion

Balancing Tradition and Innovation

The Generation of '27 achieved a unique equilibrium, blending avant-garde experimentation with established traditions. This fusion encompassed:

• Traditional and popular lyricism
• Classical influences, reflected in the pursuit of formal perfection
• Romantic influences, apparent in the immediacy of emotion
• Influence of Juan Ramón Jiménez's pure poetry
• Elements of avant-garde movements

Key figures who influenced this generation include Juan Ramón Jiménez, José Ortega y Gasset, and Ramón Gómez de la Serna. Stylistically, their poetic creation often involved associating poetry with unconventional subjects, exploring a diverse range of themes, both traditional and modern.

Key Poets of the Generation of '27

Pedro Salinas

Salinas followed the stylistic patterns of pure poetry, employing meticulously crafted and precise language. He favored short verses and rhyme. His work can be divided into three stages:

• Pure poetry (e.g., Presagios)
• Love poetry (e.g., La voz a ti debida)
• Exile poetry (e.g., El Contemplado)

Jorge Guillén

Guillén is considered the foremost exponent of pure poetry within the Generation of '27. His style is highly elaborate, utilizing classical meter. His work comprises three cycles:

• Cántico: A celebration of life and the world
• Clamor: A lament for the world's suffering and historical pain
• Homenaje: A more optimistic perspective

Gerardo Diego

Diego is distinguished by his formal, stylistic, and thematic variety. He combined popular and classical poetry with avant-garde elements. His works include both Creationist and other poems that blend Creationism with traditional influences, such as Góngora. His poetry exhibits significant thematic and formal diversity (e.g., Versos humanos).

Rafael Alberti

Alberti is known for his diverse themes, forms, colors, and influences. He seamlessly integrated cultured and popular elements. His career is marked by four stages:

• Neopopularism, recreating traditional and popular lyric forms (e.g., Marinero en tierra)
• Gongorism, reflecting avant-garde influences (e.g., Sobre los ángeles)
• Political commitment, embracing socially conscious poetry (e.g., El poeta en la calle)
• Exile poetry (e.g., A un capitán)

Federico García Lorca

Lorca's work is a powerful expression of his personality, marked by intense vitality and a preoccupation with death. His work reflects a passion for life, love, and freedom. Two stages can be identified:

• Early work influenced by Bécquer, Modernism, and Paul Valéry, culminating in the Romancero gitano, which blends traditional and avant-garde elements.
• Following a trip to the United States, his work explores new ethical and social concerns, evident in Poeta en Nueva York, which expresses solidarity and rebellion.