Key Figures and Works of the Generation of '27

The Generation of '27: Renewing Spanish Literature

In 1927, a distinguished group of writers—including Rafael Alberti, Federico García Lorca, Jorge Guillén, and Gerardo Diego—convened, marking the birth of the Generation of '27. This collective sought to renovate Spanish literature, ushering in a period of profound literary splendor, particularly within the realm of lyric poetry.

Literary Philosophy and Synthesis

These authors championed an integrative form of creation, balancing diverse influences:

• Avant-garde movements: Embracing modern innovation.
• Classical roots: Drawing from the Spanish Golden Age, popular lyricism, and the works of Bécquer, Juan Ramón Jiménez, and Antonio Machado.

Their work is defined by a constant search for equilibrium between opposing poles:

• The sentimental versus the intellectual.
• Pure, hermetic poetry versus humanized, accessible verse.
• Minority-focused works versus popular appeal.
• A synthesis of tradition and renewal.

Historical Context

By 1929, the United States faced the Great Depression, an economic crisis with global repercussions. During this era of social and political instability in Spain, the members of the Generation of '27 continued to publish their seminal works.

Federico García Lorca: A Representative Voice

Born in Granada, Federico García Lorca remains the most iconic figure of this generation. A polymath who studied humanities and law, he was also deeply involved in music.

Major Works and Impact

• Gypsy Ballads (1928): His first major literary success.
• Poet in New York (1929): Inspired by his travels to the U.S., this work critiques the dehumanization, materialism, and social inequality of the modern world.
• La Barraca (1932): A theater company founded by Lorca to bring classical and contemporary drama to the general public.

Lorca’s personality was marked by a duality: a vibrant, sympathetic exterior contrasted with deep-seated frustration and intimate discomfort. This tension, combined with a tragic sense of fate, permeates his poetry and plays, achieving a perfect synthesis of cultured sophistication and popular tradition.