Key Figures of the Generation of '27: Alonso, Lorca, and Alberti

Dámaso Alonso: Poetic Evolution and Rehumanization

Dámaso Alonso exemplifies the evolution of the Generation of '27 toward a rehumanized position. Moreover, his critical and philological work is an indispensable instrument for understanding important aspects of this poetic generation. While his level as a poet is often compared to his contemporaries, he began in pure poetry. However, his masterpiece, "Children of Wrath", is a fundamental work of postwar Spanish literature. It represents "uprooted poetry," where the world is depicted in chaos and anguish, and poetry becomes a frantic search for meaning and an anchor. It is existential poetry—a cry of protest against injustice, hatred, and cruelty. The poet asks with tears about the meaning of such decay. Written in versículos, it reminds us that man is not alone. His work History of the Heart and his third stage, "Poems of Consummation," reflect on youth and sing, between the tragic and the serene, of the consummation of existence. The style is terse and dense, with a touch of surrealism.

Federico García Lorca: Tradition and Modernity

Federico García Lorca's poetry is one of the best examples of the fusion of tradition and modernity that characterizes the Generation of '27. The wide range of topics, expressive wealth, and expertise introduced in both his poetry and drama make him one of the most significant writers in the group.

In his poetry, there is a participation in the unity and perfection of the human and the aesthetically pure. He was attracted to traditional poetry, flamenco, and the songbooks of the 15th and 16th centuries.

Key Themes and Works

• Themes: The sense of the tragic destiny of man and the impossibility of human fulfillment.
• "Poema del Cante Jondo": Lorca expresses his grief for life through the songs of his land.
• "Gypsy Ballads": Lorca focuses on marginalized men and their tragedies.
• "Poet in New York": Reflects the impact of the big city. Topics include materialism, the slavery of man by the machine, and social injustice. It is a surrealist work written in free verse.
• "Llanto por Ignacio Sánchez Mejías": A great elegy on the death of his bullfighter friend, merging the popular and the cult.
• "Sonnets of Dark Love": Eleven sonnets that highlight Lorca's mastery.

Rafael Alberti: Social and Political Poetry

Rafael Alberti produced significant social and political poetry. His return to Spain after 49 years of exile made him an intellectual symbol. These facts, together with the composition of poetic works of great stature, make him an essential poet of the group.

Stages of His Work

• 1st: Neopopulist Lyric: "Marinero en tierra"
• 2nd: Baroque and Avant-garde: "Cal y canto"
• 3rd: Surrealism: "Sobre los ángeles"
• 4th: Civic Poetry: "Elegy Civic"
• 5th: Poetry in Exile: "Verses of John Baker"