Spanish Generation of '27 Poets: Salinas, Guillén, Diego, Aleixandre

Pedro Salinas

Pedro Salinas initiated a renovation of poetic language in his efforts to find the essence of things and life experiences. In this sense, he is the highest representative of what is known as "pure poetry." The three basic elements of his creation are: authenticity, beauty, and ingenuity. Salinas was a perfectionist, yet endowed with great sensitivity. He is considered the leading poet of love of his generation.

His work is typically divided into three stages:

• First Stage (Until 1932)

  Pure poetry under the influence of Juan Ramón Jiménez. Key work: Presagios.

• Second Stage (Until 1939)

  Poetry of love. His concept of love was anti-romantic, neither tormented nor suffered. Instead, love is presented as an enrichment of life and the individual. Key work: La voz a ti debida.

• Third Stage (After the Spanish Civil War)

  His poetry reflects a struggle between his faith in life and the distressing signs he observed around him. Key work: He referred to.

Jorge Guillén

Jorge Guillén is noted for cultivating pure poetry in a very personal way, a style inaugurated by Juan Ramón Jiménez. His work is also a clear example of the evolution of his generation towards a poetry of engagement. His adaptation of traditional metrical forms and other formal innovations make him one of the most important poets of the group.

He practiced a stylization of reality, starting from concrete reality to extract pure ideas and feelings from it. His language is very elaborate and selective, often sacrificing immediate clarity for precision. The result is a poetry that can appear cold and austere, but is highly artistic.

Major Works

• Cántico

  An expression of the author's enthusiasm for the world.

• Clamor

  This work expresses a protest against the horrors and miseries of the historical moment. It is divided into three parts: Maremagnun, Que van a dar en la mar, and A la altura de las circunstancias.

Gerardo Diego

Gerardo Diego is the foremost exponent of Creationism in Spain. His uniqueness lies in his special adaptation of the principles of Cubist poetry. This intention led him to create a very personal poetic language within the Generation of '27.

He demonstrated a wide range of themes, tones, and styles, cultivating both traditional and classical poetry, as well as avant-garde styles. Notable early works include El romancero de la novia, Imagen, and Versos humanos. After the Civil War, he explored a wide range of topics: religious, amorous, bullfighting, and more.

Diego was a great master of the art of versification, complemented by his sensitivity and wisdom.

Vicente Aleixandre

Vicente Aleixandre's figure is particularly significant in the history of Spanish literature. On the one hand, he created the most perfect and complete poetic work within Spanish Surrealism. Furthermore, he is considered a master for many poets of the next generation.

His work is usually divided into three stages:

• First Stage: Pessimistic Vision of Humanity

  Characterized by a pessimistic vision of humanity, imperfection, pain, distress, and weakness. He expressed an envy of plants, a desire to return to the earth, and a sense of callousness. Key works include Ámbito and Sombra del Paraíso. In Sombra del Paraíso, the poet yearns for an Eden free of suffering and death, craving a pure and elemental existence.

• Second Stage: Beyond Surrealism

  His vision of humanity becomes more positive, and solidarity is emphasized. The poet merges with the people and becomes their collective voice.