Modernism and Generation of '27 in Spanish Poetry

Modernism in Spanish Poetry

The Influence of the Generation of '98

Modernist poets embraced the spirit of the Generation of '98, both thematically and stylistically. They explored national issues, the existential reality of Castile, and adopted a more reflective, analytical writing style.

Juan Ramón Jiménez

A key figure in Modernism and a significant innovator, Jiménez's poetic journey began with vibrant Modernism tinged with introspection. His early works, like Solitudes (1908), explored beauty and nature. He later transitioned to "pure poetry," stripping away sensory details and anecdote to create timeless, symbolic verse. Diary of a Newly Married Poet is a notable work from this period.

Antonio Machado

Machado, a progressive humanist, blended classical forms with sensory symbolism. His poetry grapples with themes of time and lost love. His work can be divided into three stages: the introspective and melancholic phase of Solitudes; his engagement with the Generation of '98's social concerns in Campos de Castilla; and the reflective period of New Songs.

The Generation of '27

This group of post-avant-garde poets, active before the Spanish Civil War, marked a distinct shift in Spanish poetry. They shared similar ages, intellectual backgrounds, and participated in joint literary activities, including a 1927 homage to Góngora.

Influences and Style

The Generation of '27 was influenced by Modernism, particularly Jiménez's artistic rigor, and the aesthetics of the avant-garde. Their style incorporated expressive language, vivid imagery, metaphor, and experimentation with free verse.

Key Poets

Prominent poets of this generation include:

• Pedro Salinas: Celebrated for his love poetry, particularly The Voice Due You.
• Jorge Guillén: Known for his optimistic view of life, exemplified in Cántico.
• Gerardo Diego: Alternated between avant-garde and traditional styles, with works like Manual of Foam and Pure Poems.
• Dámaso Alonso:
• Vicente Aleixandre: Author of Swords as Lips.
• Luis Cernuda: Author of Clouds.

Federico García Lorca and Rafael Alberti

Two of the most representative figures were:

• Federico García Lorca: Known for his tragic exploration of love and death in Gypsy Ballads and the surrealist Poet in New York.
• Rafael Alberti: His work evolved from stylized traditional forms in Marinero en tierra to the surrealism of Concerning the Angels.

Miguel Hernández

Although not chronologically part of the Generation of '27, Hernández's style aligns closely with the group, earning him the title of "the great epilogue." His most famous work is The Ray That Has Not Ceased.