Romanticism and the Cultural Revival Movement

Items 6 and 7: Romanticism and the Cultural Revival

Romanticism was the result of socioeconomic and cultural changes that occurred during the Industrial Revolution and the French Revolution. Culture ceased to be the exclusive property of privileged social groups; the press reached a wide circulation and became more independent from the editorial office. Romanticism postulated principles opposed to classicism.

Ideological Principles of Romanticism

• Individualism and subjectivism: The affirmation of the personality of the individual "I".
• Defense of inspiration: The creative power of instinct and freedom.
• The romantic spirit: Characterized by dissatisfaction, nostalgia, and yearnings.
• Fantasy: Everything must be surrounded by magic and fantasy.
• Medieval myths: One must attend to medieval myths and the beauty found in that period of history.
• Self-governance: The belief that people must govern themselves.

In this context, travel literature takes on a significant role. Romantics looked to reconnect with the mythology of Western culture, considering travel to exotic locations essential. They did not only travel for pleasure, but also for just causes and to fight against the oppressive powers affecting the people. The quest for individuality and personal freedom is one of the most characteristic traits, which is why the romantic idea of the journey is so important and takes on a symbolic value. Traveling to learn about a landscape means knowing the country, the people, and the nation.

The Revival Movement

The Revival (Renaixença) is a movement that tried to increase public awareness of identity in our society. It was an attempt to rediscover the Motherland and the signs of national identity, forming a national sentiment with its own differential consciousness.

The movement emphasized royal power, strong organization, and heroic historical facts worthy of remembrance, alongside strong traditions and scientific and literary figures of great international prestige, legends, tales, and the collective consciousness.

Objectives of the Revival

• Retrieve the prestige and social and cultural vitality of the language.
• Create a literature in all genres as a model of modern language.
• Resume educated literary production and spread medieval classics.
• Recognize a unique identity as a people.
• Encourage bourgeois layers to support the language and culture.
• Strengthen existing institutions and create new ones.

Key Biographies

Teodor Llorente Olivares

Teodor Llorente Olivares was the founder and editor of the newspaper Las Provincias. He leaned toward conservatism and was a dramatist in the Spanish language. His major poetic work was published in a booklet of poems and verses; this collection succeeds through its simplicity, sonority, and mastery of the language and popular songs.

Jacinto Verdaguer

Jacinto Verdaguer was an ordained priest. Spirited and confident, he led a life full of ups and downs that resulted in problems with the hierarchy of the Church. He participated in the Floral Games of Barcelona, which connects him with the most important names of the Renaixença. Works: L'Atlàntida and Canigó.

Miguel Costa i Llobera

Miguel Costa i Llobera evolved poetically through the intellectual contact he had with the Latin world, the fruit of the years he lived in Rome. Work: Horacianes (a classicizing expression).