Key Eras in Spanish Literature: Modernism & The '98 Generation

Modernism and the Generation of '98 in Spanish Literature

Understanding Spanish Modernism

The late 19th and early 20th centuries in Spain witnessed the emergence of two significant literary and intellectual movements: Modernism and the Generation of '98. Modernism, in particular, sought a profound artistic renewal, standing in opposition to realism. This period coincided with Spain's significant loss of its last colonies, a severe blow that sparked discussions about national regeneration.

Definition and Origins of Modernism

Modernism is defined as a movement advocating for political, ideological, social, and religious renewal and change. It originated around 1880 in Hispanic America and arrived in Spain primarily through the influential work of Rubén Darío, who served as its main proponent.

Key Characteristics of Modernism

• Aestheticism and Elegance: A profound "love of elegance," often manifested through the repeated presence of gold and precious stones in their works.
• Mystery and Eroticism: A prevalence of passion for mystery and the symbolism of eroticism.
• Symbolism of Blue: Blue stood out as a prominent symbol, representing celestial exoticism and volume.
• Dual Directions of Exoticism: Exoticism explored two main directions:
  • Outward in Space: Looking towards distant lands like Rome, China, and other exotic locales.
  • Backward in Time: Reaching into the past, drawing inspiration from ancient France, Greece, and other historical periods.
• Parnassian and Symbolist Influence: Parnassian influence culminated in classicism and symbolism, paving the way for the avant-garde.
• Language and Style: Characterized by a rich and elaborate language, abundant in metaphors, imagery, and epithets.
• Bohemian and Aristocratic Anarchism: These attitudes were closely tied to aesthetic modernism. Authors often adopted a bohemian and anarchist stance, rejecting societal norms and pursuing aristocratic aesthetic beauty.

Rubén Darío: A Central Figure (1867-1916)

Rubén Darío's seminal work, Azul... (1888), marked the beginning of a new literary school, blending European and American influences. His subsequent work, Prosas Profanas (1896), established the paradigm of aristocratic life and artistry. Cantos de Vida y Esperanza (1905) serves as a testament to his later artistic evolution. Darío's works exemplify the fusion of European and Hispanic American elements, expressed through a language rich in meaning and symbolism.

The Generation of '98

Following the devastating colonial disaster of 1898, a group of influential writers emerged, including Azorín, Pío Baroja, and Ramiro de Maeztu. They published a manifesto denouncing Spain's dire situation and emphasizing the urgent need for national improvement. This profound concern also resonated with other leading intellectuals of the time, such as Miguel de Unamuno and Ramón María del Valle-Inclán. All these figures, along with others like Antonio Machado, shared a deep preoccupation with Spain's future.

Defining Characteristics of the Generation of '98

1. Close Birth Dates: The birth dates of their members typically did not exceed a 15-year difference between the oldest and youngest.
2. Similar Educational Backgrounds: They shared similar educational experiences and intellectual formations.
3. Shared Public Spaces: They frequently congregated in public areas, fostering intellectual exchange.
4. Simultaneous Emergence: They appeared on the literary scene around similar dates, publishing articles and books.
5. Impact of the "Disaster of '98": The "Disaster of '98" profoundly influenced them as a defining generational event.
6. Intellectual Lineage: Their intellectual guide was often considered to be Larra, with Unamuno serving as a prominent contemporary figure.
7. Shared Generational Language: They developed and shared a distinct generational language and style.
8. Focus on Human and National Problems: They were among the first generation of intellectuals to raise profound problems affecting humanity and their country.
9. Dominant Genre: The dominant literary genre for this generation was the essay.
10. Poetry's Purpose: Poetry, particularly for authors like Unamuno and Antonio Machado, was concerned primarily with the human condition. They believed poetry existed to express a different and more profound vision of reality, not merely to produce aesthetic pleasure.