Spanish Literary Renewal: The Generation of 98

The Generation of 98: A Movement of Renewal

The term Generation of 98 first appeared in 1913 in a study published by Azorín. It referred to a group of authors who, in the aftermath of Spain's loss of its last American colonies in 1898, emerged to advocate for change and regeneration of the country. This period brought about a profound crisis in all areas of Spanish society. The Generation of 98 was an exclusively Spanish movement, which coexisted with Modernism.

While some argue there is no significant difference between the two movements, following Ortega y Gasset's concept of a "generation," we can classify them as two distinct movements. The authors of the Generation of 98 were born within a 15-year span, were profoundly influenced by the disaster of '98, and shared a common intellectual predecessor in Larra.

Their favorite literary genres were the essay and the novel. In terms of style, they desired stylistic innovation, often using unique or archaic Latin words and subjective tones. Finally, their subjects focused on love and grief for the motherland, describing its people, landscapes, and culture, and delving into its "intra-history." Existential problems, such as the meaning of life and death, were also addressed.

Background: The Regenerationist Movement

Regenerationism refers to an intellectual movement between the 19th and 20th centuries that objectively and scientifically meditated on the causes of Spain's decline as a nation.

Key Authors of the Generation of 98

• Miguel de Unamuno

  Unamuno focused his work on philosophical issues, such as the search for the truth of human existence. He wrote essays (e.g., The Tragic Sense of Life and The Agony of Christianity), novels with a specific structure called nivola (e.g., Mist), poetry (e.g., The Christ of Velázquez), and several plays.

• Azorín

  Azorín's work is characterized by a sad and nostalgic tone, a constant reflection on the flow of time and transience. These features are often reflected in his landscapes, which abound in descriptions of nature, and his reflections on Spain's situation. Notable works include Castilla, Apart from the Classics, Don Juan, Doña Inés, and Will.

• Pío Baroja

  Baroja wrote standalone novels such as: The Way of Perfection, The Concerns of Shanti Andía, and Memoirs of a Man of Action. He also composed three trilogies: The Fight for Life, Zalacaín the Adventurer, and The Tree of Knowledge. The author analyzed the psychology of his characters but rarely reached emotional depths, and secondary characters are often scarce in his works.

• Ramón María del Valle-Inclán

  Valle-Inclán is known for the development of absurdity in his works. His notable contributions include:

  • Theatre: Barbarian Comedies, Divine Words, Bohemian Lights, Mardi Gras.
  • Novels: The Carlist War, Tyrant Banderas, The Ring.
  • Poetry: Aromas of Legend, The Passenger.

• Antonio Machado

  Machado's work often explores themes of loneliness. His notable works include Campos de Castilla and New Songs.