Modernism and the Generation of '98: Literary Renewal

Modernism and the Generation of '98

Whether they are considered a single art movement or two different literary manifestations, they share a strong intention to renew Hispanic literature of the 20th century in all genres. However, the differences lie in how each stream approached change. Poetry is more closely associated with Modernism, while the novel and essay are more characteristic of the Generation of '98.

The Historical Context

Two circumstances caused the emergence of these authors in the Spanish intellectual and literary scene:

• The atmosphere of political, economic, and moral crisis at the end of the 19th century.
• The loss of the last Spanish colonies in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines in 1898 (the event that gives the name to this generation) and the depletion of the themes and forms of 19th-century literature.

List of Authors

For these reasons, the writers of '98—including Unamuno, Baroja, Machado, and part of the work of Valle-Inclán—manifested a protest against the decadent habits of Spanish society. They proposed a comprehensive reform of social and moral behavior. Furthermore, they argued for subjectivism—a personal vision of things—as opposed to the faithful reproduction of reality that characterized the stunning realism of the late 19th century.

Themes and Narrative Techniques

Thematic Focus

From a thematic point of view, the movement focuses on two main areas:

1. The Theme of Spain

This includes reformist and patriotic approaches (Unamuno), skeptical and pessimistic views (Baroja), and impressionistic or lyrical perceptions (Azorín). All shared a desire to discover the soul of Spain through its:

• Landscape: Especially Castile, where they discovered an austere and sober spirit.
• History: Not of great men or events, but of anonymous people and everyday life, which Unamuno called intrahistoria.
• Literature: Returning to or recovering medieval authors like Berceo, Manrique, and Rojas, and forgotten classics or 19th-century authors like Larra. They showed special interest in Cervantes and Don Quixote, where Spanish behaviors are faithfully reflected.

2. The Existential Theme

This ranges from concerns about the meaning of life to psychological conflicts and religious problems. The different attitudes range from the anguish and obsession with immortality of Unamuno to concerns about the mundane nature in Azorín or the religious disbelief of Baroja.