Prominent Figures of the Spanish Enlightenment

Benito Jerónimo Feijoo: The Monk of Enlightenment

Benito Jerónimo Feijoo was a monk who spread the Enlightenment, a teacher at the University of Oviedo, and a royal adviser to Fernando VI. His main purpose was to educate the people. In his essays, he tried to prove the falsity of superstition and rejected the opposition to intellectual developments. These are the main ideas of his work, which are reflected in the nine volumes of the Teatro crítico universal and the five volumes of Cartas eruditas y curiosas.

José Cadalso: Precursor of Romanticism

José Cadalso (often referred to as José Gallows in literal translations) studied in Paris and is, above all, a precursor of Romantic manners. He wrote poetry and theater, but his prose is what stands out. He wrote Los eruditos a la violeta and Noches lúgubres (Mournful Nights), a pre-Romantic work in which he is carried away by feelings and passion rather than reason. In his most prominent work, Cartas marruecas (Moroccan Letters), he adopted the epistolary form. Three fictional characters exchange letters that allow the author to show the Spanish reality from three different perspectives:

• Gazel: A young Moroccan who travels to Spain.
• Nuño: A Spanish Christian advising Gazel and helping him with customs through a critical stance.
• Ben-Beley: Gazel's old teacher who remains in Morocco.

The structure of the work consists of:

• Introduction: Criticizes the customs.
• Letters: The core of the book, consisting of 90 letters exchanged between the three characters.
• Note: Comprises part of the manuscript.
• Literary Protest: Imagines the criticism that the work might receive and promises not to write similar works.

Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos: The Polished Reformer

Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos is shown as a polished reformer. In his essays, he shows a deep concern for the social problems of his time: industry, communications, agriculture, and education—areas for which he proposed reforms. His works include the following:

1. Elogio de Carlos III: Analyzes the Spanish decline and its causes.
2. Informe sobre la policía de los espectáculos y diversiones públicas: Speaks of measures to be taken to return every show to its original meaning.
3. Informe sobre la Ley Agraria: Calls for the repeal of laws that are preventing a framework of freedom for economic development. He identifies the cause of backwardness as the concentration of ownership in the hands of the nobility and the Church.
4. Memoria en defensa de la Junta Central: Advocates for the Board and responds to criticisms regarding his participation in it.
5. Memoria sobre educación pública: Discusses the reforms needed to improve education.