Modernism vs. Generation 98: Literary Crisis & Renewal

Modernism and the Generation of '98

The Crisis at the End of the Century

Controversy: Modernism vs. Generation '98

The intellectuals of the time, including those from decadent Hispanic America, coined the term Art Nouveau. This movement represented a rejection of society and culture. In Spain, Modernism and the Generation of '98 coexisted in the literature of the century, but critics viewed them as manifestations of a crisis at the end of the century.

Modernism: A Rebellious Renewal

Modernism embodied a vital attitude of rebellion and renewal, impacting politics, religion, and art. It involved a rejection of materialism and the social and moral norms that restricted human freedom.

Literary Modernism

Literary Modernism, a movement born in Latin America in the late nineteenth century, significantly influenced lyric poetry. Rubén Darío was a key figure. His work, "Profane Prose" (1896), represents the pinnacle of Modernism.

Influences of Modernism

• From the Romantics: Modernism adopted the attitude of rejecting reality and the desire to escape.
• In French Poetry (late XIX century): Modernism drew inspiration from Parnassianism and Symbolism.

Aesthetic Renewal in Modernist Literature

• Topics: The rejection of reality manifested in escapist themes, creating worlds of beauty and exploring intimate and existential concerns, reflecting the poet's unease.
• Literary Language: Achieved through various means, including:

Metric Innovation

Modernism utilized the French eneasílabo alongside free verse.

Generation of '98

Azorín popularized the term "Generation of '98" to describe a group of young writers who expressed deep disappointment with the Restoration Society and advocated for change. The very existence of this generation has been debated. While it may not strictly qualify as a literary generation, it is best considered a generational group, including figures like Unamuno, Azorín, Baroja, and Maeztu.

Characteristics of the Generation of '98

1. Background: From 1905 onward, each writer followed divergent paths. One defining feature of the group is the evolution from radical youth attitudes towards more conservative positions in maturity.
2. Themes: The group's original social criticism distinguished them from their Modernist counterparts.
   1. The Subject of Spain: Unamuno idealized the issue, speaking of the soul of Spain and locating it in Castile.
   2. The Crisis of the Century: Reflected in existential concerns, including anxiety, the crisis of positivism, and a leaning towards subjectivism.
3. Aesthetics: The Generation of '98 leaned towards simplicity, rejecting bombastic rhetoric and pursuing personal expression, resulting in diverse styles.