The Spanish Enlightenment: 18th Century Intellectual Movement

The Enlightenment in 18th Century Spain

The Enlightenment was a cultural movement born in 18th-century France, founded on reason as a primary form of knowledge. It implied a rejection of the Old Regime and a revision of previously established ideas, paving the way for new forms of thought. In Spain, this movement was notably more moderate.

Key Characteristics of the Spanish Enlightenment

• Emphasis on science and the experimental method.
• Travel was seen as a crucial way of learning about other cultures.
• The concept of utility was linked directly to progress.
• A significant focus on widespread educational reform.

Many authors aligned with political movements, using literature as a vehicle to convey their ideas. Spanish writers, in particular, aimed for their works to disseminate these new Enlightened concepts.

Prominent Spanish Enlightenment Authors

Fray Benito Jerónimo Feijoo

Fray Benito Jerónimo Feijoo addressed a broad audience, aiming to expose common errors and false miracles. His position was notably moderate. His main works include Teatro Crítico Universal (Universal Critical Theater) and Cartas Eruditas y Curiosas (Erudite and Curious Letters).

Melchor Gaspar de Jovellanos

Melchor Gaspar de Jovellanos is often considered the writer who best represents Enlightenment ideals in Spain. His work consistently highlighted the need for societal renewal. He utilized poetry for social satire, exposing the idle lives of the nobility and promoting integrity, brotherhood, and tolerance. His notable theatrical work, El delincuente honrado (The Honored Delinquent), exemplifies his reformist spirit. In his prose, Jovellanos demonstrated encyclopedic and educational zeal, employing a style that avoided both excessive rhetoric and colloquialism. He skillfully used argument and reasoning to defend his ideas, as seen in works like Elogio de Carlos III (Praise of Charles III).

José Cadalso

José Cadalso's lyrical poetry often foreshadowed Romanticism, but he also penned significant moral and satirical compositions, collected in Ocios de mi juventud (Leisure of My Youth). In prose, he authored Los Eruditos a la Violeta (The Pseudo-Intellectuals), Noches lúgubres (Gloomy Nights), and Cartas marruecas (Moroccan Letters), a collection of 90 letters exchanged between three characters, analyzing and critiquing the situation of Spain in the 18th century.

18th Century Spanish Theater

Spanish theatrical production in the 18th century was generally scarce and often considered of poor quality. Many works primarily sought entertainment, failing to fully embrace the Enlightenment ideal of combining teaching with delight. However, short pieces known as sainetes were popular during intermissions. These sketches, notably by Ramón de la Cruz, vividly reflected the customs and daily life of Madrid at the time.