Modernism in Hispanic Literature: Origins and Aesthetics

Modernism: The Renewal of Hispanic Poetry

The first signs of poetic renewal appeared in the late nineteenth century in Spain and Hispanic America. Around 1890, Rubén Darío and other writers adopted the term modernistas, driven by a desire to move away from existing Spanish literature and look toward American and French influences.

A] French Influence

Beyond the influence of the great French Romantic Victor Hugo, the movement was primarily shaped by two currents from the second half of the century:

• Parnassianism: Focused on the beauty of form, the cult of formal perfection, and serene, polished poetry. Preferred topics include Greek myths and the evocation of bygone times.
• Symbolism: Represented by poets like Verlaine, this movement proposed going beyond the sensitive reality to discover and transmit deeper truths to the reader.

B] The Aesthetics of Modernism

Modernism acts as a synthesis of Parnassianism and Symbolism. It favors exotic themes, aristocratic values, and musicality. Modernist poets sought beauty as a form of spiritual aristocracy, elegance, and exquisiteness, explicitly opposing bourgeois vulgarity.

C] Key Themes

Modernist poetry explores two primary fields:

• Exteriority: A sensitivity toward sensory pleasures, beauty, and landscapes.
• Escapism: An escape in time or space to dream worlds of glittering, cosmopolitan beauty, such as ancient castles or exotic pagodas.
• Intimacy: A vitalistic, sensual, and sometimes painful melancholy represented through nature.

D] Style and Metrics

There is a profound renewal of poetic language, utilizing a wealth of sensory values and linguistic mastery. Key features include:

• Phonic resources: Frequent use of alliteration.
• Rhythm: A search for new musical forms and metric variety, notably the use of the Alexandrine verse.

E] Important Authors

The most significant figures of the movement include José Martí, Rubén Darío, Gutiérrez Nájera, Salvador Rueda, and Manuel Reina.