Spanish Literary Movement: Generation of 98 Authors and Themes

The Generation of 1898: Spanish Literary Renewal

The term “Generation of '98” comes from the writer Azorín, who coined it to refer to an age group of young Spanish writers deeply critical of the society inherited from the Restoration period. They highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive changes in Spain.

Core Members of the Movement

This influential group primarily consisted of the following authors:

• Miguel de Unamuno
• Azorín (José Martínez Ruiz)
• Pío Baroja
• Ramiro de Maeztu

Key Characteristics and Themes

The Generation of '98 is characterized by its profound concern regarding the actual social and cultural problems facing the country. Their central thematic focus was the Subject of Spain—a reflection on the nation's essence or “soul.”

Their thematic and philosophical concerns included:

• The Soul of Spain: They often concluded that the true Spanish soul resided in Castile, leading to a deep interest in old Castilian literature and the Castilian landscape, identifying Castile with Spain itself.
• Existential Anguish: Their works reflect the existential problems and anxieties prevalent at the turn of the century.
• Subjectivism and Will: A strong tendency toward subjectivism, coupled with an exploration of the issues of will and apathy.

Literary Genres and Style

The genres most commonly used by these writers were the essay and the novel. Their style is marked by a tendency toward simplicity, rejecting both rigid realism and excessive rhetoric or traditionalism (castizo). They sought a highly personal expression, resulting in diverse and distinct literary styles.

Miguel de Unamuno

Unamuno utilized literature as a vehicle to express his core obsessions: death, religion, and the topic of Spain. He cultivated all genres, especially the essay. He wrote philosophical theater and a highly purified novel form, stripped of non-essential elements, which he famously termed Nivola (e.g., San Manuel Bueno, Martyr).

Azorín (José Martínez Ruiz)

Azorín cultivated theater, novels, and essays. His entire production revolves around the theme of time, transience, and the persistence of things, evoked nostalgically through precise and detailed descriptions. His novels often lack a traditional plot, focusing instead on the description of characters and environments (e.g., The Will or The Confessions of a Young Philosopher). His essays focus primarily on the landscape and literary criticism.

Pío Baroja

Pío Baroja is considered the most important novelist of his time. He conceived the novel as a flexible genre that could encompass everything. His general attitude was pessimistic, and his favorite characters were often antisocial. His style is spontaneous. He frequently organized his novels into trilogies, notably The Struggle for Life (which includes the novel The Search). He also wrote many adventure novels, such as Shanti Andia's Concerns.

Contemporary Figures Associated with the '98

Antonio Machado and Ramón del Valle-Inclán

Antonio Machado and Ramón del Valle-Inclán were contemporary authors of the Generation of '98, sharing their critical attitude toward Spanish reality.

• Antonio Machado: He is often associated with the Generation of '98, particularly during the second phase of his poetry (e.g., Campos de Castilla).
• Ramón del Valle-Inclán: Valle-Inclán moved beyond the constraints of realism and commercial drama. His career transitioned from Modernism to the creation of the Esperpento—a highly original dramatic form that represented a major renovation of the theater, characterized by a fiercely critical perspective on Spanish reality.