Key Figures of Spanish Modernism and the Generation of '98

Literary Giants: Modernism and the Generation of '98

Rubén Darío (1867–1916)

Nicaraguan poet. He served as Ambassador to France and was greatly influenced by the Parisian bohemian atmosphere. His three representative works include:

• Azul
• Prosas Profanas
• Cantos de vida y esperanza

His style was widely imitated in Spain, notably by Antonio Machado and Juan Ramón Jiménez.

Juan Ramón Jiménez (1881–1958)

Spanish poet. In his earlier books, such as Arias Tristes, he reflected the romantic sensibility of Bécquer. He later embraced Modernism, influenced by R. Darío (e.g., La soledad sonora). He eventually returned to his original style, known as "naked poetry" (e.g., Diario de un poeta recién casado).

He went into exile and adopted a more reflective style (e.g., Animal de fondo). He is also the author of the classic work, Platero y yo.

Miguel de Unamuno (1864–1936)

Essayist. He proposed a renewal of Spain in works like En torno al casticismo, and explored profound existential themes in Del sentimiento trágico de la vida. He also wrote innovative novels (known as Nivolas), including Niebla.

Pío Baroja (1872–1956)

Novelist. He conceived the novel as an open genre, characterized by precise and vivid descriptions and dialogues. His novels were often grouped into trilogies (e.g., Tierra Vasca) and frequently featured a pessimistic worldview (e.g., El árbol de la ciencia).

Ramón María del Valle-Inclán (1866–1936)

Playwright. A key author of his time. His first phase was Modernist (e.g., Sonatas), followed by a second phase featuring dramas that ridiculed society using the "esperpento" technique (e.g., Luces de bohemia).

Antonio Machado (1875–1939)

Poet. His early style was Modernist (e.g., Soledades). He later abandoned Modernism to embrace the concerns of the Generation of '98 (e.g., Campos de Castilla).

After the death of his wife, he left Soria and moved to Baeza, where he created the imaginary, skeptical, and ironic professor, Juan de Mairena.

Understanding Adjectival Subordinate Clauses

Adjectival Subordinate Relative Clauses

These clauses function like adjectives, modifying an antecedent noun.

Nexus (Connectors)

• Relative Pronouns: who, whom(s), which(es)
• Relative Adjectives: cuyo, cuya, cuyos, cuyas
• Relative Adverbs: where, how, when, etc.

They always require an antecedent (the noun they modify). They must not be confused with adverbial subordinate clauses.

Adjectival Subordinate Explanatory Clauses

These clauses add non-essential information or an explanation to the antecedent, usually set off by commas.

Example: Mary, who is very diplomatic, resolved the situation.

Substantive Relative Clauses (Nominal)

These clauses include the relative pronoun and function as a noun phrase, carrying out the role of a noun (Subject, Direct Object, etc.).

Example: He who covers much, presses little.