Spanish Literary Masters: Generation of '27 & Early 20th Century Theater

Key Poets of the Generation of '27

Rafael Alberti: Neotraditional Poet

Rafael Alberti is a poet best representing the neotraditional line, inspired by traditional sources such as cancionero ballads and lyrics. His poetry was often politically compromised, and he was exiled after the Spanish Civil War. A notable work is Marinero en Tierra (A Sailor on Shore, 1925).

Pedro Salinas: The Poet of Love

Pedro Salinas was a prominent love poet. His work shows an evolution of pure poetry, characterized by a cutting-edge, personal, and intimate style. He reflected on life's mysteries, particularly love. Key works include: La Voz a Ti Debida (Love You Voice Due, 1933), Razón de Amor (Because of Love, 1936), and Largo Lamento (Long Lament, 1939), which reflects on the passion and pain of love.

Vicente Aleixandre: Evolution of a Poet

Vicente Aleixandre is known for his free verse, philosophical depth, and humanistic themes. His work evolved through distinct phases:

• Pure Poetry Phase

  Marked by the strong influence of the avant-garde movements and Juan Ramón Jiménez.

• Surrealist Phase

  Underwent a significant change influenced by Surrealism.

• Humanist Phase

  After the Civil War, his focus shifted to social concerns and the life of the common man.

Key works include: Espadas como Labios (Swords and Lips, 1932) and La Destrucción o el Amor (Destruction or Love, 1935). He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1977.

Federico García Lorca: A Literary Genius

Federico García Lorca was a genius of the Generation of '27. He pioneered neopopularism, blending surrealist elements with traditional poetry, rich in metaphors and symbols. Major works include: Romancero Gitano (Gypsy Ballads, 1928), Poema del Cante Jondo (Poem of the Deep Song, 1931), Llanto por Ignacio Sánchez Mejías (Lament for Ignacio Sánchez Mejías, 1935), and Poeta en Nueva York (Poet in New York, 1930).

Spanish Theater in the Early 20th Century

Spanish theater in the first third of the 20th century was characterized by two main trends:

Traditional and Commercial Theater

This theater was primarily commercial, bourgeois in character, and focused on comic or dramatic themes. Its main purpose was entertainment, not social criticism or moral instruction. It encompassed two sub-trends:

• Bourgeois Comedy

  Featured mild social satire. A key figure was Jacinto Benavente, a Nobel Prize laureate.

• Theater of Manners

  Offered a picturesque and often comic view of the popular classes.

Innovative Theater

Characterized by its original and creative style. Ramón del Valle-Inclán initiated this renewal of contemporary Spanish drama. Federico García Lorca was a leading exponent, known for his anti-bourgeois stance. Lorca's most notable dramas include: Bodas de Sangre (Blood Wedding, 1933) and La Casa de Bernarda Alba (The House of Bernarda Alba, 1936).

Themes

Themes often explored grand human affairs, unsatisfied desires, and the fight against tyranny.

Characters

Characters were a strong dramatic component, often touching. Women, in particular, were frequently frustrated by the impossibility of achieving their desires.

Style

Characterized by formal simplicity, rural vocabulary, and rich use of metaphors and symbols. For example, water often symbolized life or uncontrollable passion, horses represented untamed desire, and the moon symbolized death.