The Literary Revolution of Rubén Darío and His Contemporaries

Modernism and the Generation of '98

In the late nineteenth century, a renewal occurred in art and thought across Europe and America. This movement, known as Modernism, opposed the realist aesthetic by retrieving the cult of imagination, rebellion, and melancholy. Artists did not purport to reflect reality but rather created a more attractive one or exposed their own privacy. This subjective desire to attain perfection of form became the foundation of the movement.

Modernism vs. the Generation of '98 in Spain

In Spain, Modernism coexisted with the Generation of '98. Both movements coincided in their perception of the historical moment, which gripped the country with great dissatisfaction. However, their approaches differed significantly:

• Modernists: Sought to escape from reality through the fantastic, the sumptuous, and the sensual. Their style was cosmopolitan and extravagant, characterized by the introduction of neologisms and cultisms.
• Generation of '98: Focused on Spanish topics with a more sober style. Their lexicon was simpler, seeking clarity and frequently employing archaisms.

Key Authors and Literary Genres

Several prominent figures defined this era. Antonio Machado and Valle-Inclán are unique as they exhibit characteristics of both literary groups. Specifically within Modernism, Rubén Darío and Manuel Machado stand out. The Generation of '98 includes Miguel de Unamuno, Azorín, Pío Baroja, and Ramiro de Maeztu.

The primary medium for Modernists was lyric poetry, whereas the Generation of '98 found more employment in the novel and essay.

Influences on Modern Poetry

Modernist poetry was heavily influenced by two artistic movements:

• Parnassianism: A return to mythological elements and Greco-Roman antiquity.
• Symbolism: The subjective attribution of meaning to colors, shapes, and beings.

Sensory effects are particularly important, including plastic, tactile, olfactory, gustatory, and acoustic elements. Musical figures such as alliteration, parallelism, and enunciation predominate. Alexandrine verses are commonly used to express moods and create exotic, fantastic worlds.

The Legacy of Rubén Darío

In Hispanic countries, Modernism had many highlights, with Rubén Darío being the most influential representative. His work, which had massive repercussions in Spain, is divided into two stages:

1. First Stage: Represented by the books Azul and Profane Prose. These works are dominated by a gallant, sensual tone and the play of fantasy and the exotic.
2. Second Stage: Marked by the publication of Cantos de Vida y Esperanza. In this phase, Darío adopts a confidential and spontaneous tone to take stock of his life while also addressing social issues.