Modernism and the Generation of '98: Key Authors and Works

Modernism in Latin America

Modernism had its source in Latin America at the end of the 19th century. José Martí (Cuba) and Rubén Darío (Nicaragua) created and distributed it. "Azul" by Rubén Darío is considered the start of Modernism.

Features of Modernism

• Aesthetic Literature: It seeks beauty above all else, emphasizing rhythm and musicality while changing metrical forms.
• Topics: Feelings such as boredom, apathy, and melancholy are explored. This causes authors to take refuge in dream worlds.
• Escapism: An escape from reality, situating works in remote venues, both in space and time. They discuss alien civilizations, the past, and luxurious surroundings.
• Symbolic Elements: The swan is a symbol of Modernist aesthetics.
• Erotic, Poetic Language Renewal, Renewal of Metrics, Cosmopolitanism, American Issues (Hispanic World), Cultism: Chosen for their sound and sensations.
• Innovation in Metrics: Use of Alexandrine, endecasyllable, and dodecasyllabic verses.

The Generation of '98

The Generation of '98 was a group of authors at the end of the 19th century whose texts addressed two main issues: the decline of Spain and existential angst. Key figures include Miguel de Unamuno, Pío Baroja, José Martínez Ruiz (Azorín), and Ramiro de Maeztu. Their texts reflected the thinking of the time, with special notes on the doctrines of existential irrationalism by Søren Kierkegaard and other German philosophers. They described landscapes (mainly Spanish) as symbolic and lyrical, and they looked for a natural and simple tone.

Key Authors and Works

Rubén Darío

Rubén Darío was the highest representative of Modernism. Three of his notable poems are:

• Azul... and Profane Prose: Modernist aesthetician, universal metrics, bright and exotic images.
• Songs of Life and Hope (1896): Reflective and intimate poetry, exploring issues like the meaning of life.

José Martínez Ruiz "Azorín"

José Martínez Ruiz, known as "Azorín," focused on minimal plots and the description of environments and sensations through a succession of small descriptive scenes.

Modernist Prose

Modernist prose is characterized by its musical and poetic language. A notable example is "The Sonatas" by Ramón María del Valle-Inclán.

Prose of the Generation of '98

The prose of the Generation of '98 primarily consisted of essays. Two main tracks were explored: the state of decline of the country and existential concerns. Miguel de Unamuno was a key figure in this area.

Theater

In theater, Jacinto Benavente created critical and realistic works with comic dialogue, such as "The Unloved" and "Special Interests." Ramón María del Valle-Inclán was another important playwright.

Miguel de Unamuno (1864-1936)

Miguel de Unamuno, born in Bilbao, lived in Salamanca where he was a university professor. He worked in various literary genres. Notable works include:

• Essays: Alternating existential reflection and reflection on Spain.
• Novels: Philosophical and intellectual content, minimal action, with abundant interior monologues and dialogues. Notable examples are "San Manuel Bueno, Martyr" and "Fog."

Pío Baroja (1872-1956)

Pío Baroja, born in San Sebastián, studied medicine in Madrid. He was a great novelist. His works are characterized by:

• Importance of argument and action.
• Direct and schematic portrayal of characters who appear real, moving and living in real environments with possible histories.
• He grouped his works into trilogies, linked by themes and characters.
• His works reflect philosophical concerns, portraying a harsh struggle for survival in a hostile world.
• Themes include the recreation of a hostile world and the confrontation with it, social criticism, and praise for characters who rebel against society as men of action.

"The Tree of Science" tells the life of Andrés Hurtado, who, while studying medicine in Madrid, witnesses the poverty and social backwardness of the country.

Antonio Machado (1875-1939)

Antonio Machado was born in Seville and lived in Madrid. He became a French professor at an institute in Soria, where he fell in love with and married Leonor Izquierdo. After Leonor's death, Machado moved to Baeza, where he met Pilar Valderrama. He held progressive ideological views and was exiled to France, where he died. He defined his poetry as "the keyword search at the time," expressed through symbols full of meaning. His metrics were new, simpler, and more sober.

Works

• Solitudes: Expresses feelings.