Key Poets and Characteristics of Spain's Generation of '27

The Generation of '27: A Literary Pinnacle

The rich literary scene of Spain reached its peak with the Generation of '27. This influential group coexisted with modernist movements, including the Generation of '98 and other 19th-century currents, culminating a significant period of literary renovation. They recognized José Ortega y Gasset and Juan Ramón Jiménez as their aesthetic teachers.

Defining Characteristics of the Generation of '27

• Strong Bonds of Friendship: A deep camaraderie united the members.
• Synthesis of Expressive Resources: Their work blended elements from both traditional and avant-garde literature.
• Pursuit of Metaphorical Language: They sought to elevate literature by distancing it from everyday reality through rich metaphor.
• Reverence for Luis de Góngora: A key aspect was their profound respect for the figure of Luis de Góngora, whose tercentenary of death was commemorated in 1927. This event served as a unifying catalyst for the group.

The dedication to research and teaching of literature was almost unanimous among the Generation of '27, leading to numerous conferences, treatises, and essays. While some authors also wrote drama and fiction, lyric poetry was their most cultivated literary genre.

Prominent Poets of the Generation of '27

The most important poets of this generation include:

• Pedro Salinas
• Jorge Guillén
• Gerardo Diego
• Federico García Lorca
• Rafael Alberti
• Dámaso Alonso
• Vicente Aleixandre
• Luis Cernuda
• Miguel Hernández (some critics consider him the last representative)

Phases of Generation of '27 Lyric Poetry

The lyric poetry of the Generation of '27 distinguishes itself through two main phases:

• First Phase: Aesthetic Achievements

  This stage blended the pure and conceptual poetry of Juan Ramón Jiménez with avant-garde movements like Creationism and Ultraism. It also incorporated traditional poetry, including songs, ballads, and a cultivated admiration for classical poets.

• Second Stage: Human Concerns and Social Causes

  Often marked by a sense of disillusionment, this stage is filled with disturbing images of great beauty, reflecting deeper human concerns and the defense of social causes.

After the Spanish Civil War, the group dispersed. For those who left Spain, the most important issue was exile; for those who remained, it was existential angst.

Key Figures and Their Contributions

Pedro Salinas: Poetry of Relationship and Dialogue

For Pedro Salinas, a highlight of his work is its willingness to explore his relationship with his surroundings. He sometimes addresses readers or everyday objects directly, as seen in his avant-garde collection Fábula y signo. In his second stage, exemplified by La voz a ti debida, he communicates with his beloved. During his exile, in El contemplado, he converses with the sea.

Salinas's style avoids complicated extensions; his poetry is concise and assonant, with a rhythm very similar to natural conversation. Arguably, his writing consistently seeks dialogic harmony.

Gerardo Diego: Versatility in Style

Gerardo Diego's work showcases a variety of styles, encompassing both avant-garde poetry and poems with traditional features, appealing to both educated and popular tastes. The themes of his poems revolve around his personal experiences: love, friendship, and more. Notable works include Versos humanos and Alondra de verdad.