Spanish Literary Renewal: Generation of '98 Authors

The Generation of '98: Literary Renewal

Crisis of Realism and the Rise of Essayists

The turn of the century witnessed a significant shift in Spanish literature, marked by the Crisis of Realism. During these years, the essay genre, rather than traditional prose, managed to stand out. Through their essays, authors expressed their existential and social concerns. These new writers, often referred to as the "regeneration," aimed to provide a response to the profound societal crisis of the century.

Notable figures among these essayists include:

• Joaquín Costa
• Ramiro de Maeztu
• Azorín
• Pío Baroja

Ramiro de Maeztu: Journalist and Thinker

Ramiro de Maeztu, a journalist from Vitoria, is recognized as the author of significant works such as Don Quixote, Don Juan y La Celestina.

Azorín: Essays, Novels, and Landscape

Azorín's literary output includes both essays and novels. Among his notable works are La Voluntad, Los pueblos, and Castilla, which often blend narrative with insightful observations on landscape and culture.

The Novel of the Generation of '98

The early 20th-century novel evolved to incorporate elements of the essay and detailed landscape descriptions. Impressionistic prose largely replaced realism, characterized by suggestion and imprecision, moving away from merely reflecting objective reality.

Common themes in these novels include:

• Passion versus intellect
• Problems of personality
• Various existential crises

The protagonists are often depicted as apathetic, unsatisfied, and maladjusted characters, a consequence of the profound influence of philosophers like Kant and Nietzsche.

Key novelists of this period include:

• Miguel de Unamuno
• Pío Baroja

Miguel de Unamuno: Philosopher, Essayist, Novelist

Born in Bilbao, Miguel de Unamuno was heavily involved in politics throughout his life, initially as a member of the PSOE and later as a Republican congressman. Unamuno always embraced controversy, a trait clearly reflected in his literary work. He stands out as both an essayist and a novelist.

Unamuno's Essays and Philosophical Depth

As one of the leading essayists, Unamuno's works, such as En torno al casticismo, analyze the decline of Spain at the end of the century. His writings also highlight the characters themselves within the historical moment in which they live. We can distinguish two aspects in his production: an agonizing Unamuno, grappling with profound questions, and a contemplative Unamuno, yearning for peace.

Unamuno's Innovative Novels

Unamuno's novels broke with traditional narrative forms, often approaching the genre of the essay. His significant works include Niebla and San Manuel Bueno, Mártir.

Pío Baroja: Master of Narrative

Pío Baroja, born in San Sebastián, initially studied medicine. In terms of his literary work, he is considered the most outstanding novelist of his time. While he also wrote essays, his true brilliance shone in narrative fiction.

Baroja's literary career can be divided into two main stages:

1. 1900 to the "Great War": During this period, he wrote works such as La lucha por la vida and El árbol de la ciencia.
2. Second Stage: Following the "Great War," he published many more novels, further solidifying his reputation as a prolific and influential writer.