Influential Spanish Authors and Their Literary Contributions

Jose Espronceda

Espronceda is known for his outstanding songs portraying marginal themes, which symbolize rebellion and freedom, as seen in the Composition of the Pirate and two extensive narrative poems: The Devil's World, where philosophical issues are raised, and The Student of Salamanca, which recreates the myth of Don Juan.

Mariano Jose de Larra

Larra was an author of numerous newspaper articles in which he discussed at length, with clear and dynamic prose, Spanish customs and the country's situation. From his perspective, there was an urgent need for Europeanization. In many of his narrative texts, he used anecdotes to defend his thesis.

Benito Perez Galdos

National Events

In this monumental work, Galdos traces the history of nineteenth-century Spain. His first novels pose the conflict between progressive and conservative ideas, which, in his opinion, prevented the modernization of the country. The contemporary Spanish novels recreate the society of the time in detail, with characters that are much more psychologically complex than those in his earlier works. His idealist novels explore topics of moral and spiritual nature.

Miguel Unamuno

Unamuno's alternative essays focus on existential reflection and meditation on Spain. In his novels, he emphasizes philosophical and intellectual themes. He coined the term nivola for this new type of novel, where fiction is minimal and there are many dialogues and inner monologues of the characters.

Pio Baroja

In his novels, Baroja attached great importance to the plot and the characters' actions. He portrayed them schematically and directly.

Antonio Machado

Machado defined his poetry as a search for time. This quest led him to express himself through symbols like the afternoon, the road, or the fountain, which are filled with various meanings in his works. He also questioned the possibilities of rhythm and musicality in poetry, evolving from modern styles to simpler and more sober metrics.

Ruben Dario

Blue and Profane Prose

Dario's modernism presents beauty characterized by exotic images and brilliant musical metrics. His work Songs of Life and Hope marked a shift towards reflective and intimate poetry.

Azorin

In his writing, Azorin minimized the plot and emphasized the description of environments and sensations. His novels are structured as a succession of short scenes and descriptions that attempt to capture the rhythm of real life.

Rafael Alberti

Sailor Earth

Alberti's neopopularista style aligns with a movement that defends the use of traditional forms of popular Spanish poetry. His themes often explore nostalgia, childhood, and memory. In About Los Angeles, he employs surrealist techniques to express personal anguish and disorientation.