Modernism and Noucentisme: Key Literary Movements

Modernism vs. The Renaissance

Modernism attempts to change traditions, whereas the Renaissance seeks to retrieve them.

The Nouveau Festival

Promoted by Rusiñol at the Cau Ferrat in Sitges; its supporters were known as beauticians.

Theory of the Living Word

It is a sacred gift bestowed upon the poet; poetry is the result of inspiration and intuition.

Trends in Modernist Fiction

• Symbolism: Utilizes naturalistic elements and depicts a confrontation between the artist and society.
• Decadentism: A derivative of Romanticism that reflects a hidden reality, using abstract concepts like ugliness and color, while valuing aesthetics, eroticism, and sensuality.

Symbolist Theater vs. Regenerationism

• Symbolist Theater: Focuses on the social section with almost no plot, prioritizing art. Author: Rusiñol. Work: "The Tale of Sir Stephen."
• Regenerationism: Discusses social conflicts, seeks solutions, and features a spirit of social protest and character revolt. Author: Ferreter Puig. Work: "Enchanted Waters."

Shared Objectives: Modernism and Noucentisme

Both movements attempted to reform society, promoted anti-ruralism and Europeanism, and fought for the creation of a modern literary language.

Objectives of the 20th Century

To normalize the political, cultural, linguistic, and literary status of Catalonia and spread the ideology of 20th-century society.

Tenets of the Ideology Defended by Ors

• Arbitrariness: Abstraction of reality to achieve the ideal Catalonia.
• Imperialism: Acting as a political leader to spread ideology across all social classes.
• Civility: Neutralizing conflict and engaging progressive social classes.

The 20th-Century Catalan Novel

It is true that there was no significant novel in Catalan during this period. The most valued genre was poetry.

Characteristics of 20th-Century Poetry

Key features include:

• Distancing the poet from the subject (sometimes ironic).
• Valuing artificiality, formal perfection, and precise language.
• Indirect presentation of reality and the ideal Catalonia.
• Exposure of an idyllic, civilized nature.
• Valuation of the city as a model of civility.

Key Poet of Noucentisme: Josep Carner

Carner rejects Maragall's theory of the living word. He skillfully uses both classical and popular verses, demonstrating great mastery of linguistic resources.

Notable works: "The Heart Still" and "Aucas and Fans."