Post-Romanticism: A Transition from Romanticism to Realism

Post-Romanticism: An Overview

The post-Romanticism movement emerged in the latter half of the nineteenth century as a reaction to Romanticism, flourishing particularly in France.

Writers and artists rebelled against bourgeois lifestyles, demanding freedom and individuality.

Post-Romantic Poetry

In poetry, unlike novels and drama which embraced realism, a romantic spirit persisted. However, the focus shifted from narrative to lyricism, becoming more personal and intimate. Rhetoric decreased while lyricism increased, with love and passion for the world as prominent themes. Metrics evolved, exploring new sounds and embracing a plurality of poetic ideas.

Post-Romantic poetry represents a transition, a conflict between Romanticism and Realism. Its proponents are often seen as bridging the gap between these two movements, sometimes adopting a pessimistic philosophical outlook.

Literary Movements in 18th Century Spain

The 18th century was a period of transition in Spanish literature, with four overlapping movements:

• Baroque
• Neoclassicism and Enlightenment
• Pre-romanticism
• Romanticism

These movements sometimes coexisted within the same author, as seen in José Cadalso's work, which blends neoclassical elements in Cartas marruecas and pre-romantic traits in Noches lúgubres.

Neoclassicism

Neoclassicism drew inspiration from Greco-Roman classics, emphasizing genres, theatrical rules, clarity of style, and imitation of classical forms and themes (e.g., Eclogues). The essay emerged as a significant genre, allowing authors to express personal views with greater freedom than neoclassicism typically allowed, influenced by Montaigne and Enlightenment ideals. Essays served a didactic purpose, aiming to educate readers on various topics and challenge false beliefs.

Pre-romanticism

Pre-romanticism, influenced by English literature, paved the way for Romanticism in Spain, though its full impact was delayed. It exalted feeling, particularly love and the ideal of freedom. Nature, landscapes, darkness, storms, and fog became prominent elements, often mirroring the characters' emotional states. A recurring theme was the conflict between the individual and society, often ending in the individual's defeat.