Salvador Espriu and Narcís Oller: Catalan Literature, Sinera & Madness

Salvador Espriu

Salvador Espriu lived during the twentieth century, the contemporary age. His work reflects the turbulence of that era: the two world wars, the Cold War, his country's civil war, and the subsequent dictatorship were the main events that marked his lifetime. He lived through a difficult period in which the public use of Catalan was severely restricted.

Biography and Context

Born in Santa Coloma de Farners and later dying in Barcelona, he spent his childhood in Barcelona and Arenys (the sea town often associated with his work). He studied law and ancient history and later pursued classical philology. Espriu wrote many books; the first was published when he was sixteen.

The Myth of Sinera and Key Works

Highlight the myth of Sinera (Arenys), a central element in Espriu's poetic universe. Regarding style, the war deeply marked his production: the post-war period informed the main themes throughout his work, including the passage of time, death, linguistic and political persecution, and the struggle against cultural bankruptcy. Therefore, we can classify much of his work as post-war literature.

Language, Censorship, and Literary Evolution

During the dictatorship the public use of Catalan was very limited, and many authors were compelled to write in Spanish. At the same time, clandestine groups and exile communities maintained a literature focused on resistance and memory. Later, during a period of liberalization, Catalan literature began to reappear in magazines and literary prizes, and these developments eventually allowed writers to reenter the normal literary field.

Narcís Oller (Madness)

Narcís Oller wrote the novel Madness, published in 1898. This novel is a classic reference in Catalan fiction and belongs to nineteenth-century naturalist literature. It participates in the contemporary debates about naturalism.

Oller's Importance and Style

Narcís Oller was the first great novelist of the Catalan Renaissance and is often considered the creator of the modern Catalan novel. Madness is written using realistic and naturalistic techniques, invoking theories such as inheritance and the influence of an oppressive environment.

Themes: Biological and Social Determinism

Oller presents two scientific theories that were under discussion at the time: one position, associated with Serrallonga, defends biological determinism (the idea that disease or madness is inherited); the other position argues that the protagonist goes mad because he was exposed to an adverse and oppressive social environment (social determinism).

Other Works

• Butterfly
• The Escanyapobres
• Time

Structure and Plot of Madness

Madness consists of a total of nine chapters divided into three parts: the first part introduces the protagonist, Daniel Serrallonga; the second part describes the process of his alienation; and the last part shows the consequences of this alienation. Based on a true story, the novel traces how the young Serrallonga descends into madness and examines the causes of his condition.

Conclusion on Oller's Position

In conclusion, Madness is considered a culmination of Oller's production and exemplifies his style — a blend of naturalism and realism — which aligns closely with the novel's plot and content.