Literary Movements: Modern Poetry, Romanticism, and Modernism

Characteristics of Modern Poetry

Absence of Didacticism

The first characteristic is that modern poetry lacks a didactic spirit. That is, poetry collections like The Flowers of Evil or Trilce do not have as one of their main objectives to teach values and attitudes to the reader.

Critical Engagement with Language

A second characteristic is that the modern poet always operates within language and, therefore, expresses a critical attitude. When handling language, the poet reveals a critical consciousness regarding the literary tradition.

Specialization of the Creator

A third characteristic is the specialization in the creator's work, particularly within modernism. There are, no doubt, important antecedents; Góngora, for instance, was a specialist and master of his art.

Understanding Romanticism

Core Principles of Romanticism

For the Neoclassicists, reason was paramount. They admitted that life and society were imperfect, but believed that within them, man had to reach moral perfection guided by reason. In contrast, the moral and emotional attitude of the Romantics was one of dissatisfaction with life and the world.

Key Characteristics of Romanticism

The Idea of Freedom

Romanticism emerged as a reaction against Neoclassicism. The mastery of reason over imagination was replaced by an emphasis on creative freedom.

Exaltation of the Self

In the eighteenth-century Neoclassical era, the king's will was often imposed over the opinions of his subjects. Romanticism, however, emphasized the individual's feelings and experiences.

The Spirit of Rebellion

The desire for freedom was often reflected in a spirit of rebellion, evident in many literary characters—adventurers and rebels alike. A notable example is Don Juan Tenorio, the protagonist of the Spanish drama written by José Zorrilla.

The Rise of Modernism

Origins and Evolution of Modernism

Modernism emerged in the final years of the nineteenth century in Europe and America. Emerging fin de siècle thought trends aimed to renew social and political situations, as well as artistic tastes, moving beyond Realism and Naturalism. Initially, the term 'modernist' had a derogatory character, used by those opposed to these developments. However, it eventually came to designate, without any negative connotation, the proponents of this new trend. The leading figure of Modernism is the Nicaraguan Rubén Darío.

Vanguard: Innovation and Freedom

The concept of Vanguard meant to innovate or break free from the rules and structures established by previous movements. It is often said that the only rule of Modernism was to respect no rules. The primary characteristic of Modernism is freedom of expression, which manifests itself differently in each literary genre. For example, narrative diversified the structure of stories.