Mariano José de Larra: Spanish Romanticism's Sharpest Voice

Mariano José de Larra: Writer and Journalist

Mariano José de Larra y Sánchez de Castro (Madrid, March 24, 1809 – Ibid, February 13, 1837) was a Spanish writer and journalist and one of the most important exponents of Spanish Romanticism.

Larra's Literary Stature

He is considered, along with Espronceda, Bécquer, and Rosalía de Castro, to be among the highest elevations of Spanish literary Romanticism. A journalist, satirist, literary critic, and writer of manners, he published over two hundred articles in print in just eight years. He promoted the development of the essay genre.

Pen Names and Critical Focus

Larra wrote under the pen names:

• Figaro
• Duende
• Bachelor
• The Anonymous Coward

According to Iris M. Zavala, Larra represents the "democratic romanticism in action." Far from indulging in the effusions of feeling, Figaro placed Spain at the center of his criticism and satire. His work must be understood in the context of the newborn Courts after the ominous decade (1823–1833) and the First Carlist War (1833–1840).

Tragic End and Legacy

After Larra's early suicide at 27 years old, José Zorrilla read an elegy at his funeral, which disclosed much about his character.

Rediscovery by the Generation of '98

In 1908, some representatives of the Generation of '98—Azorín, Unamuno, and Baroja—laid a wreath at his tomb. This tribute signified their rediscovery of Larra and their identification with his thought and his concern for Spain.