Major Poets of the Spanish Generation of '27

Dámaso Alonso

He expressed his deep knowledge of Spanish literature in essays that are literary pieces themselves. Notable works include La lengua poética de Góngora and Poesía española.

His first book, Poemas puros, poemillas de la ciudad, shows a pure influence. His best-known poetry work is Hijos de la ira. This work is defined by existential anguish, pain, and anxiety.

Influences on the Generation of '27

The Generation of '27 was heavily influenced by Surrealist poets, including Lorca, Alberti, Cernuda, and Aleixandre.

Neopopularismo

Neopopularismo is a literary current that rescues popular elements of poetry and oral tradition to introduce them into modern poetry. Lorca and Alberti, in particular, were interested in traditional elements of popular poetry, leading to this trend.

Cernuda: Early Description

Luis Cernuda was a rebellious and sensitive poet, characterized by a profound influence of Romanticism.

Federico García Lorca

Among his most impressive books is Romancero Gitano (Gypsy Ballads), which features oral poetry and the world of flamenco. Poems like Poeta en Nueva York (Poet in New York) channel the surrealistic stream into a critique of social injustice.

He also excelled in the theatrical genre, writing surrealistic works like Así que pasen cinco años (So you spend five years) and plays of historical character. His best-known works are:

• Blood Wedding (Bodas de sangre)
• Yerma
• The House of Bernarda Alba (La casa de Bernarda Alba)

These plays explore the theme of frustration, focusing on individuals prevented from being themselves.

Rafael Alberti

Alberti reflected his personal experiences in his works.

His first book, Marinero en tierra, captures the popular tradition of his native Andalusia. The influence of Góngora and Surrealism is reflected in later books, leading to works like Sobre los ángeles.

During the Spanish Civil War, De un momento a otro marked a shift toward political commitment. In exile, the poet expressed his longing for the lost homeland in works such as Retornos de lo vivo lejano (Return of the living distant).

Luis Cernuda

He grouped his poems under one collective title: La realidad y el deseo (The Reality and Desire). Two major features define the whole of this poet's work:

• Thematic Conflict: The clash between the feeling of love and the limitations imposed by society. All his work revolves around this conflict.
• Romantic Influence: Evident in several features: the subject of frustration (which prevents an individual from freely expressing their feelings and being themselves), the passionate and rebellious tone of the poems, and metrical freedom.

Vicente Aleixandre

Aleixandre's career can be divided into stages:

1. Initial Stage (Surrealist): Marked by surreal character, most notably in La destrucción o el amor (Destruction or Love).
2. Second Stage (Social Poetry): Defined as social poetry, the most relevant work being Historia del corazón (History of the Heart).
3. Maturity Stage: The poetry takes a bitter tone and focuses on issues such as the sadness of lost youth. One of his best examples is Poesía de la Consumación (Poetry of Consummation).