Modernism in Literature: Origins and Evolution

Modernism took place approximately between 1885 and 1915. It was both an attitude toward life and an artistic movement, primarily literary, that sought a complete renovation of formal expression, especially within the poetic field.

Genesis and Historical Roots

The movement emerged from the crisis of bourgeois consciousness and a general dissatisfaction with prevailing policies. Key factors include:

• Rejection of established poetry: A break from the status quo, with the notable exception of Bécquer.
• French Influence: The impact of Parnassianism and Symbolism.
• Spanish Influence: Traditional metrics and rhyme, particularly from Bécquer.
• American Influences: The works of Edgar Allan Poe and Walt Whitman.
• Ancient Poets: Inspiration from Berceo, the Archpriest of Hita, and Manrique.

Literary Genesis and Evolution

Modernism began in Latin America during the last quarter of the nineteenth century. While the Cuban José Martí and the Mexican Manuel Gutiérrez Nájera were its predecessors, the most significant figure was the Nicaraguan Rubén Darío. His prestige grew immensely following the publication of Azul (1888), and his arrival in Spain in 1892 established him as a literary idol.

Major Influences on Modernism

The movement was shaped by diverse international sources:

• American Literature: Specifically the works of E.A. Poe and W. Whitman.
• English and Italian Literature: Influences from the Decadent movement.

French Literature: Parnassianism and Symbolism

French literature provided the two main pillars of the movement:

• Parnassianism: This style sought perfection, categorical resonance, and brilliance under the mantra of "Art for art's sake." It celebrated the classical world and themes distant in time and space.
• Symbolism: This style aimed to suggest meaning through ideological or phonetic symbols, operating under the principle that "music comes first."

Spanish Literature and Metrics

Spanish literature provided necessary metric possibilities, including the adaptation of sonnets. While medieval and romantic poets were key, Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer stood out above all. His intimate, revealing, and harmoniously crafted poetry served as the paradigm of Symbolism. These influences led to two important aspects of Modernism seen in the evolution of Rubén Darío:

• Poetry of the senses
• Intimate and romantic poetry

Core Themes and Topics

Modernist subject matter generally points in two directions: a sensitive externality (the legendary, the pagan, and the exotic) and the intimacy of the poet (vitality, sensuality, melancholy, and distress).

The Two Stages of Modernism

The movement evolved through two distinct phases:

• Formal-precious and sensitive cult of beauty: This stage lasted until 1896, culminating in the publication of Prosas profanas.
• Intimate and romantic poetry: This later stage focused on American themes and featured an attenuation of large formal effects.

Key Figures of the Movement

The most prominent figures associated with Modernism include Rubén Darío, Manuel Machado, Pío Baroja, Azorín, Antonio Machado, and Juan Ramón Jiménez.