Modernism vs. Generation of '98: Literary Characteristics

Modernism and the Generation of '98: Key Differences

The late nineteenth century saw a profound renewal in art and thought across Europe and America. This period fostered two major literary movements in the Spanish-speaking world: Modernism and the Generation of '98. While both movements sought to break with previous aesthetics (like Realism and Naturalism), they differed significantly in style, focus, and approach to Spanish reality.

Understanding Modernism

Modernism was a literary movement that began in the late nineteenth century, breaking away from the prevailing aesthetics of Realism and Naturalism. It synthesized elements from French literary schools:

• Parnassianism: Focus on mythological themes and formal perfection.
• Symbolism: Use of subjective meanings attached to colors, shapes, and sounds.

Core Characteristics of Modernist Literature

Modernists sought to escape everyday reality, often through the expression of fantasy, sensuality, and sumptuousness. They aimed not to reflect reality but to create a more attractive world or expose their own inner privacy. Key characteristics include:

• Rejection of everyday reality.
• Emphasis on musicality in poetry.
• Use of long verses.
• Incorporation of mythology, sensuality, and fantasy.
• A complicated and rich lexicon (often introducing neologisms and cultisms).
• Recovery of the subjective experience.

The lyrical genre (poetry) was the most commonly employed by modernists.

Rubén Darío: The Foremost Modernist

Rubén Darío, born in Nicaragua, is considered the foremost representative of Modernism in Spanish literature. He showed talent at a young age and traveled widely throughout his lifetime.

Darío's Poetic Style and Themes

Darío was heavily influenced by French poetry, particularly the Romantic Victor Hugo. The characteristics of his poetry include:

• Long verses and musicality.
• Use of a complicated vocabulary.
• Symbols are highly important, especially the swan.
• Common themes include eroticism and exoticism (focusing on the distant and unfamiliar).

Essential Works by Rubén Darío

His three most important works are:

1. Azul... (Blue)
2. Prosas Profanas y Otros Poemas (Profane Prose and Other Poems)
3. Cantos de vida y esperanza (Songs of Life and Hope)

The Generation of '98

The Generation of '98 is the traditional name given to a group of Spanish writers, essayists, and poets who emerged around the time of the Spanish-American War (1898). Unlike the Modernists, the noventayochistas focused intensely on Spanish current affairs and national identity, often adopting a more sober style.

Style and Lexicon of the Generation of '98

While Modernists sought complexity and exoticism, the Generation of '98 prioritized clarity and authenticity:

• Their lexicon is generally easier, favoring clarity in descriptions.
• They sometimes used archaisms to convey a greater sense of authenticity and popular spirit, connecting with the historical roots of Spain.