Spanish Literary Movements: Neoclassicism and Romanticism

Neoclassicism: Reason and Didacticism in 18th Century Spain

Neoclassicism was a prominent artistic movement of the eighteenth century, deeply influenced by the Enlightenment. In this era, reason predominated over the senses, and literature adopted a strong didactic purpose, with the critical essay gaining significant prominence. The prevailing style was simple, valuing good taste and clarity.

Lyric Poetry in Neoclassicism

Neoclassical lyric poetry was characterized by being neither original nor overtly emotional. Instead, it valued didactic and utilitarian poetry. Juan Meléndez Valdés stands out as the poet who best summarized the neoclassical Anacreon, also addressing social issues in his works.

Prose: Modern Language and Social Critique

The prose essay triumphed during this period, significantly contributing to the creation of a more modern and simple language. Authors shared the common goal of modernizing Spain through their works. Notable figures include:

• José Cadalso with Cartas Marruecas (a social satire of Spain)
• Benito Jerónimo Feijoo with Teatro Crítico Universal
• Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos with his Informes sobre Educación, advocating that culture is the essential path to achieving personal and social good.

Neoclassical Theater: Rules and Education

Neoclassical theater defended credible and didactic works, contrasting sharply with the public's preference for Baroque plays. The enlightened thinkers rejected Baroque theater due to its disregard for the rule of three unities (action, time, and place) and its lack of didactic content. Despite these principles, neoclassical theater had limited success, with a few exceptions:

• The tragedy Raquel by Vicente García de la Huerta
• Comedies by Leandro Fernández de Moratín, who aimed to educate viewers by criticizing social norms, customs, and behavior. His most famous work is El sí de las niñas.

Romanticism: Emotion and Freedom in 19th Century Spain

Romanticism was an aesthetic movement that emerged in the first half of the 19th century in Spain, though its arrival was somewhat delayed compared to other European countries. Spanish Romantic writers expressed their yearning for an ideal world and their dissatisfaction with materialistic society through both revolutionary and traditionalist attitudes.

Romantic Poetry: Innovation and Introspection

Romantic poets introduced innovations, such as the use of both new and old forms (e.g., the ballad). The movement embraced specific thematic elements. Two main types of poetry emerged:

• Intimate Lyric Poetry: Expressed the author's hopes and frustrations regarding social and religious issues. Key figures include Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer and Rosalía de Castro.
• Narrative Poetry: Featured legends and historical themes. Prominent authors were José de Espronceda and the Duque de Rivas.

José de Espronceda: Exile and Social Critique

Though of neoclassical formation, José de Espronceda was profoundly influenced by Romanticism. His poems often explored themes of exile and social outcasts (e.g., Canción del Pirata), as well as political and social issues. His style is characterized by its grandiloquence, emphasis, and strong musicality. His most important works include El Estudiante de Salamanca and El Diablo Mundo.

Late Romanticism: Bécquer and Rosalía de Castro

Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer and Rosalía de Castro belong to Late Romanticism, a period characterized by intimate, accessible, and refined lyrical poetry. Bécquer is renowned for his Rimas, poetry born from the evocation of feeling and fantasy mixed with simplicity. Rosalía stands out for En las orillas del Sar, written in her personal, simple, and straightforward style.

Romantic Prose: Historical Novels and Costumbrismo

Two significant genres emerged in Romantic prose:

• The Historical Novel: Focused on themes from the Middle Ages. Gil y Carrasco, with El Señor de Bembibre, is a notable author in this genre.
• Costumbrismo (Manners of Society): Described society in a graceful and witty way. Mariano José de Larra stands out for his journalistic articles, which are categorized as:
  • Traditionalist: Offering a critical and satirical vision of society.
  • Political: Providing a global vision of politics.
  • Literary: Featuring literary criticism of the time.

Bécquer also cultivated prose in his famous collection of short stories, Leyendas.

Romantic Theater: Emotion and Freedom on Stage

In Romantic theater, drama dominated, aiming primarily to move the audience. Themes revolved around love and freedom, often leading to tragic conclusions. Francisco Martínez de la Rosa with La conjuración de Venecia and Ángel de Saavedra, Duque de Rivas, with Don Álvaro o la fuerza del sino, are prominent figures. The latter famously mixed comical elements, prose, and verse, disregarding the classical three unities. The most famous writer of this period is José Zorrilla, known for his iconic play Don Juan Tenorio.