Neoclassicism and Enlightenment Prose in 18th Century Spain

Neoclassicism: Origins and Principles

Neoclassicism marked a return to the Greco-Roman classical model, rejecting styles that deviated from it, such as Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque.

Key Characteristics of Neoclassical Thought

• Tendency to express a generic, universal model, rather than personal or national issues.
• Art and literature are subject to fixed rules.
• Educational purposes (moralistic sense).

While the novel and poetry evolved somewhat, the essay experienced exceptional growth during this period, as highlighted in the Poetics of Ignacio de Luzán.

Style and Transition: From Post-Baroque to Pre-Romanticism

In Europe and Spain, a new sensibility emerged, often mixed with Neoclassical elements. This Post-Baroque style, sometimes associated with authors of lesser quality, anticipated the Romanticism of the next century, leading to what is known as Pre-Romanticism.

18th Century Prose: The Rise of the Novel and Essay

The essay, a genre of varied length and structure, presented scholarly, scientific, or philosophical topics from a personal perspective. It became the most effective medium for disseminating enlightened thought.

The press grew significantly in importance throughout the century, serving as a vehicle for new ideas and contributing to the creation of a loose and agile prose that paved the way for the booming journalism of the 19th century. Of great importance was El Censor, which featured contributions from figures like Cadalso and Jovellanos.

Benito Jerónimo Feijoo: An Educational Mission

Feijoo proposed an educational work with a dual purpose:

1. To subject popular errors, often based on tradition or routine, to the test of observation and practice.
2. To combat the idea of knowledge resting solely on the criterion of authority.

Feijoo notably attacked superstition.

Feijoo's Prose and Themes

His prose consists of eight volumes of Teatro Crítico Universal and scholarly volumes of Cartas Eruditas y Curiosas. His themes were extremely varied. His prose is straightforward, far from the persistent Baroque, even academic, style. His language is accessible, appealing to a broad public.

Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos: Reform and Enlightenment

Born in Gijón, Jovellanos studied law. His exile to his hometown coincided with the ascension of Charles IV to the throne.

Jovellanos's Essays and Major Works

His prose consists of essays on the reform of various aspects of society, including agriculture, education, and entertainment. His most outstanding work is Informe sobre la Ley Agraria (Report on the Agrarian Law).

In his report on public entertainment, he examines the history of various games and theatrical spectacles, notably defending Neoclassical principles.