Spanish Generation of '27

The Generation of '27 Poets

The Generation of '27 is formed by a group of poets who published their first works between 1920 and 1930.

Defining Characteristics

• Came from bourgeois families with a liberal spirit.
• Shared a solid literary background.
• Sought a synthesis between tradition and the avant-garde.
• Addressed universal themes.
• Used established metrical schemes while influenced by Ultraism, Creationism, and Surrealism.

Early Poetic Styles

The poetry of the Generation of '27 initially developed along two fundamental lines:

Neopopularism

Incorporation of resources and metric forms of Spanish popular poetry.

Main works:

• Gypsy Ballads by Federico García Lorca. (Opposes freedom/nature with civilization/order).
• Sailor on Land by Rafael Alberti. (Contraposition of sea/childhood vs. city/adult world).

Pure Poetry

Focused on the essence of poetry itself.

Works include:

• The Voice You Owe by Pedro Salinas. (Love reveals the beloved's essence).
• Cántico by Jorge Guillén. (Celebrates reality and the moment's fullness).

Surrealism's Influence

From 1929, some '27 poets were influenced by Surrealism, which explored the subconscious and irrational, advocating a moral challenge to the established order. This influence is seen in the expression of inner conflict, distress, and rebellion against social conventions.

Major works from this period:

• The Reality and Desire by Luis Cernuda. (Love vs. aggressive reality).
• Concerning the Angels by Rafael Alberti. (Angels represent author's uncertainty/anguish).
• Poet in New York by Federico García Lorca. (New York symbolizes dehumanization).
• Destruction or Love and Swords like Lips by Vicente Aleixandre. (Merging with beloved for full life).

Civil War and Dispersion

During the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera and the Second Republic, they maintained a joint movement. The Civil War, the murder of García Lorca, and exile for some led to the dispersion of the group.