The Generation of '98 vs. Modernism: A Literary Debate

The Generation of '98: Defining the Literary Movement

2.1. Defining the Generation of '98: The Critical Debate

A) Arguments Denying a Separate Generation of '98

Some critics argue for the denial of the existence of a distinct Generation of '98. For these authors, Modernism and '98 would be different manifestations of the same attitude and concern. Key figures in this line include:

• José Martínez Ruiz 'Azorín': In a text from 1913, he characterized the Generation of '98 by:
  • Spirit of protest against the establishment.
  • Deep love of art.
  • Influences of Parnassianism and Symbolism.

  The matter is further complicated when Azorín cites the most important authors of the "Generation" and includes Rubén Darío alongside Unamuno, Baroja, Machado, Maeztu, Valle-Inclán, and himself.

• Ricardo Gullón and José Carlos Mainer: These authors believe there is only one great literary movement in the early twentieth century, characterized by:
  • Rebellion against the established order.
  • Purpose of artistic renewal that seeks to abandon realism.

B) Arguments Distinguishing Modernism and the Generation of '98

Some critics think, however, that there are enough differences to speak of two distinct movements or groups. These studies highlight:

• Guillermo Díaz-Plaja: He suggests the Generation of '98 is characterized by:
  • Concern for the issue of Spain.
  • Religious and existential concerns.
  • Stylistic sobriety and rejection of modernist aesthetics.
• Pedro Salinas: He argues that the authors of '98 (Machado, Unamuno, Valle-Inclán, Baroja, Azorín, Maeztu) form a completely different generation from literary Modernism, based on Petersen's generational criteria:
  • Birth years not distant.
  • Similar intellectual formation.
  • Personal relations between them.
  • Participation in common collective acts.
  • Generational event.
  • Presence of a leading figure.
  • Generational language.
  • Disappearance of the previous generation.

C) The Intermediate Position: A Coherent Subgroup

In an intermediate position, we find Tuñón de Lara, a critic who believes that there is only one generation (Modern) responsible for ushering in the twentieth century. However, within this large cohort, there is a group of authors (the traditionally known authors of '98) that form a coherent group possessing individualizing features.