Influential Spanish Literary Figures and Movements

Rubén Darío: Pioneer of Modernism

Born in Nicaragua in 1867, Rubén Darío began writing poetry at a very young age. He traveled extensively and, in 1892, worked as a special reporter. He later returned to Nicaragua and served as a European consul. His three most influential works are:

• Blue (1888): Already contains elements of his unique modernism.
• Profane Prose (1896): Consolidates modern aesthetics.
• Cantos de Vida y Esperanza (1905): Represents a major change, retrieving historical roots.

The Generation of '98: Literary and Ideological Evolution

The Generation of '98 was formed by prominent figures such as Pío Baroja, Miguel de Unamuno, Ramiro de Maeztu, Rubén Darío, and Ramón del Valle-Inclán. Their ideological evolution saw a passage from revolutionary ideas to more conservative positions. They frequently met at the Ateneo de Madrid.

Key Characteristics:

• Similar ages.
• Initially anarchists and socialists.
• Friends and engaged in gatherings.
• Affected by the end-of-century crisis and the Disaster of '98.
• Renewed the literary language.
• Treated subjects with a style that moved away from rhetoric.

Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer: Modern Lyric Poetry

Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer marks the beginning of modern lyric poetry. In 1868, the manuscript of his Rimas was lost. It was later reconstructed from memory by Gonzalo Bravo and his friends, who collected the scattered poems. These were published posthumously in 1871 as Rimas.

The Significance of Rimas:

The importance of Rimas lies in breaking from the traditional model of poetry written in Spain. Bécquer's work transmits elements of popular Andalusian poetry and German Romantic poetry. New elements introduced include:

• A more developed poem structure.
• New themes.
• The disappearance of a clear narrative story.

Juan Ramón Jiménez: Poetic Journey and Legacy

Juan Ramón Jiménez was born in Moguer in 1881. At age 19, he moved to Madrid, where he met Rubén Darío. He wrote his famous work, Platero y yo. A staunch supporter of the Republic, he went into exile in America, where he died in 1958. Jiménez was fully devoted to poetry and famously avoided writing 'g' when it sounded like 'j'. His poetic career is often divided into three stages: Modernist, Intellectual, and True/Naked Poetry.

Azorín: Essays, Novels, and Literary Style

José Martínez Ruiz, known as Azorín, was born in Monóvar in 1873. Although he initially studied law, he traveled to Madrid to dedicate himself to journalism. In his youth, he was an anarchist and a maverick. He later became a deputy for the Conservative Party in 1907 and died in 1967. Azorín wrote many essays and novels. His novels often feature protagonists who use pseudonyms, reflecting their significant autobiographical nature. These works typically have little action, instead focusing on overcoming 19th-century realism with poetic descriptions and a simple, clear, and precise style. His syntax is straightforward, often using juxtaposed sentences.

Antonio Machado: Poetic Evolution and Themes

Antonio Machado was born in Seville in 1875. At the age of eight, he moved to Madrid with his family, where he and his brother Manuel attended the Institución Libre de Enseñanza. He lived in Paris and later became a professor of French at the Institute in Soria. The first stage of Machado's poetry is full of modernist symbols, often utilizing themes like 'the path' (representing life's journey). His style is simple, and his meter is varied, frequently employing assonance.