Romanticism in Spain: Literature, Society, and Key Authors

Romanticism and the Rise of Liberal Society

The late 18th century saw the rise of liberalism. The ancien régime was replaced by liberal society, and the aristocracy gradually ceded power to the bourgeoisie, a process accelerated by the fall of Napoleon. The Industrial Revolution further fueled these changes. Revolutionary waves occurred in 1820, 1830, and 1848, each time reinforcing liberal ideals. In Spain, after the death of Ferdinand VII, industrialization and urbanization were still in their early stages within a predominantly rural society.

Nationalism's Influence on Romanticism

Nationalism, the right of peoples to constitute themselves as nations, had two main aspects: an inspiration drawn from liberal and democratic ideals, and a conservative, authoritarian movement rooted in race and folklore. The cultural expression of nationalism was Romanticism, which rejected rationalism in favor of feeling, individual liberty, and nature.

Romanticism in Spain: A Cultural Movement

Spanish Romanticism was primarily an aesthetic movement. This cultural shift emphasized a break with established rules and a focus on the expression of sentiments. Its key features included:

• Freedom
• Subjectivism
• Individualism
• Idealism
• A connection with nature
• A return to the past
• A break with the everyday world

Romanticism often addressed existential angst, melancholy, and disappointment. Common themes included history, love, passion, life, death, and destiny. Stylistically, it was characterized by:

• Abundant adjectives
• A mix of learned and popular words
• An emphasis on the expressive function of language
• Extensive use of literary devices

Romantic Poetry: Exploring the Depths of Emotion

Romantic poetry often employed symbolic language to reflect mystery, melancholy, and impossible love. It also featured polymetry, the combination of different stanzas within a single poem. Romantic poetry can be divided into two main categories:

Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry evolved through two stages in the 19th century:

• First half of the 19th century: Focused on patriotic and social issues.
• Second half of the 19th century: Became more intimate and personal.

Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry encompassed longer works, divided into two types:

• Historical or philosophical poems
• Shorter narrative poems, such as romances and legends

Key Authors of Spanish Romantic Poetry

José de Espronceda (1808-1842)

Espronceda's work covered a wide range of themes, including social protest, lost youth, and heartbreak. His style was rich in adjectives, rhetorical questions, and evocative vocabulary. Notable works include "The Pirate's Song," "The Student of Salamanca," and "The Devil World."

Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer (1836-1870)

Bécquer is known for his Rhymes, a collection of 79 short poems. His poetry is characterized by its simplicity, formal perfection, and connection to everyday reality.

Rosalía de Castro (1837-1885)

Castro wrote in both Galician and Castilian. Her Galician works, such as "Cantares gallegos" and "Follas novas," express longing for her homeland and explore themes of human existence, disillusionment, and pain. Her most important Castilian work, "On the Banks of the Sar," delves into internal conflicts and personal experiences.

The Historical Novel and the Novel of Manners

The Historical Novel

The historical novel, pioneered by Walter Scott (author of "Ivanhoe" and "Quentin Durward"), focused on past times. Notable Spanish examples include "The Youth of Henry the Sufferer" by Mariano José de Larra and "The Lord of Bembibre" by Enrique Gil y Carrasco.

The Novel of Manners

The novel of manners detailed the speech and customs of the lower classes. It encompassed various trends, including pure, satirical, and political manners. Important authors in this genre include Serafín Estébanez Calderón and Ramón de Mesonero Romanos.

Mariano José de Larra (1809-1837): A Critical Observer

Larra was known for his critical and observational spirit. His articles aimed to denounce societal attitudes and customs, often employing irony and parody. He sought to instruct and modernize society, using clear, direct language and neologisms. His articles can be classified into three groups: articles of manners, political articles, and literary articles.

Romantic Theater: Breaking the Rules

Romantic drama was characterized by:

• A variable number of acts
• Freedom in creation
• Emphasis on scenery
• Breaking the rule of three unities
• Distinct character types: the romantic hero, the antihero, the lady, and marginal characters

Common themes in Romantic theater included love, destiny, fate, vengeance, and the supernatural.