Rosalía de Castro: Life, Works, and Enduring Legacy

Biographical Aspects

Rosalía de Castro (Santiago, 1837 – 1885), daughter of María Teresa de Castro and José Martínez Viojo, faced early challenges. A law prohibited the son of a priest from living with either parent, so young Rosalía spent her early years with an aunt in Ortoño. She lived in rural areas, which Rosalía soon reflected in her poems.

At 15 years old, she worked in Santiago, where she lived with her mother. There, she met Eduardo Pondal and Aurelio Aguirre, participating in veiled literary and musical gatherings.

In 1856, she went to Madrid where she met Manuel Murguía. They married two years later and had 7 children, 2 of whom died very young. The couple's life was full of difficulties of every kind: labor, economic, and family. This life was difficult because Rosalía soon fell ill, dying at only 48 years old.

Rosalía's Character and Influence

Rosalía's character significantly influenced her deep social pessimism, largely derived from enduring sadness and rebellion.

Literary Journey and Major Works

Rosalía de Castro did not approach her work casually; instead, she sought to develop a full literary career. She published 4 novels:

• El caballero de las botas azules
• La hija del mar
• Ruinas
• Flavio

Her most prominent works are Follas Novas (New Leaves) and Cantares Gallegos (Galician Songs).

Rosalía as a Woman Writer

Rosalía de Castro was the first Galician author who faced the difficulties inherent in the role of a woman and writer in her time. Her work signifies a commitment to singing the beauty of Galician landscapes (paisaxes) and the customs of its people (xente). She showed a clear commitment to Galicia and its people, especially the most marginalized and humble, using the Galician language.

Cantares Gallegos

Cantares Gallegos is a seminal work in contemporary Galician literature. It was published in Vigo on May 17, 1863. In its memory, May 17 is now the Day of Galician Literature, honoring a Galician author each year. It is a key work that showcases folk poetry, embodying the idea that a people's folklore expresses their worldview. This book, comprising 35 poems, symbolizes Galicia's intention to sing the beauty of its land.

Follas Novas (New Leaves)

Follas Novas was published 17 years after Cantares Gallegos. It is divided into 5 sections, moving from an individual perspective towards a social dimension. The first two sections (Vaguedades and Íntimas) include compositions where Rosalía approaches major personal issues such as the passage of time, the meaning of life, and the pain of death. The ironic title of the book hints at the profound and often somber nature of the poems within.