Novecento Generation of 1914: Spanish Literary Movement

Novecento Generation of 1914: Characteristics and Evolution

Novecentismo refers to the work of a group of authors that reached its zenith from 1914, hence the term Generation of 1914. They distanced themselves from purely human sentiment to focus on intellectual rigor and accuracy. Novecentists reacted against 19th-century literature, which they considered sentimental. They exhibited a European-facing concern for Spain, fostering a deep intellectual movement that distinguished itself from the Generation of '98.

Their language focused on refining the essence of things. The Generation of 1914 evolved through the following stages:

• Sensitive Stage

  Influenced by early Bécquer and neo-romanticism, characterized by symbolic presentation and a melancholy tone. Later, under the influence of Modernism, they adopted colorful, bright, and intimate adjectives, refining their style.

• Intellectual Stage

  Characterized by the use of vivid adjectives, elimination of superfluous elements, and the adoption of free verse or prose poetry.

• Profound Stage

  Language dealing with deep philosophical issues, reminiscent of mystical poets.

José Ortega y Gasset: A Key Figure of Generation 1914

His clear and elegant style, rich in metaphors and similes, positioned his thought at a crossroads between rationalism and vitalism, opposing prevailing irrationalism. His focus on human life and reflections on humanity and its environment (famously stating, "I am myself and my circumstance") led to a growing interest in history within his extensive body of work. As an essayist and journalist, his notable works include the eight volumes of El Espectador (The Spectator), a collection of essays written between 1916 and 1934. Other significant titles include The Dehumanization of Art.

Ramón Pérez de Ayala: Novelist of Generation 1914

As a novelist, he evolved from an autobiographical style with ties to the Generation of '98 towards an "intellectual" novel. His evolution can be divided into three stages:

1. Between 1907 and 1913, he published several novels featuring Alberto Díaz de Guzmán.
2. In 1916, he published a volume of three stories he called Novelas Poéticas de la Vida Española (Poetic Novels of Spanish Life).
3. In 1921, he began his final stage with Novelas Universales (Universal Novels), where the action is lighter, and characters embody ideas or attitudes towards life.

Gabriel Miró: A Unique Voice of Generation 1914

His work offers a curious contrast between his sad and mundane official life and an intense inner world. His extensive bibliography comprises twenty books, including long novels, short stories, and collected observations on landscapes and people.