Post-Romanticism: Key Characteristics and Influential Authors

Post-Romanticism: An Aesthetic Movement

Post-Romanticism is an aesthetic and intellectual movement that emerged after Romanticism during the second half of the 19th century, reaching its heyday in France. Writers and artists rebelled against the bourgeois spirit, demanding freedom and individuality. Feeling rejected by societal values, they sought to escape the greyness and anguish of reality.

The Evolution of Poetry

Unlike the novel and drama, which shifted toward realism, poetry remained rooted in Romantic traditions. In this period, poetry became more personal and intimate, shifting focus from narrative structure to emotional depth. Key characteristics include:

• Reduced rhetoric: A move away from ornate language.
• Increased lyricism: A focus on passion and the beauty of the world.
• Metric innovation: The exploration of new sounds and rhythmic structures.

Key Authors of the Movement

Rosalia de Castro

In the work of Rosalia de Castro, vital pain is a central theme, often intertwined with rejection, disappointment, and existential weariness. Loneliness is a constant in her confrontation with life and death, which she views as a release from suffering.

Her writing also highlights Galician identity, focusing on:

• Landscapes, customs, and local beliefs.
• Social issues, including migration, rural poverty, and the hardships faced by women.
• Reflections on the nature of love and the creative process.

Gustavo Adolfo Becquer

Gustavo Adolfo Becquer is celebrated for his unique linguistic approach in Rimas. His style is defined by:

• Minimalism: A deliberate shortage of adjectives.
• Metaphorical depth: The use of evocative imagery rather than empty rhetoric.
• Structural richness: Frequent use of anaphora, parallelism, and anastrophe.
• Emotional focus: His poetry prioritizes intimate, confidential expression over narrative storytelling.

His most renowned work is Rhymes and Legends.