Spanish Literature in the Age of Enlightenment

Pedro Calderón de la Barca

He wrote a theater of ideas, which deepened the moral and philosophical concerns of his era. The dilemmas reflected in his dramas include the passage of time, the misleading nature of reality, and honor (e.g., El Alcalde de Zalamea and Life is a Dream).

The Enlightenment (17th-18th Centuries)

Originating in England and France, the Enlightenment was a philosophical and intellectual movement that emphasized reason and individualism over tradition. It was characterized by:

• Defense of reason over faith
• Confidence in science and education
• The goal of eradicating superstition and ignorance

"Everything for the people, but without the people." This phrase reflects the enlightened despotism adopted by monarchs like Carlos III of Spain, who aimed to improve the lives of their subjects without granting them political power.

The influence of the French model led to a centralized monarchy and a set of reforms aimed at modernizing the country. Cultural institutions were created, such as the National Library, the Royal Spanish Academy, and the Royal Academy of History.

Neoclassicism

Neoclassicism was the aesthetic expression of the Enlightenment. It was characterized by:

• Imitation of classical art, principles of harmony and balance
• A reasonable, critical spirit guiding writers
• Didactic intent
• Adherence to classical rules, including the rule of three unities (time, place, and action)
• Pursuit of clarity and appropriateness of language

Late 18th Century: Pre-Romanticism

Some writers rebelled against the rigid neoclassical rules and emphasized sentiment over reason, foreshadowing the Romantic movement.

Prose: Essay and Epistolary Genre

The critical and explanatory spirit of the Enlightenment led to the flourishing of prose. Notable essayists were Benito Jerónimo Feijoo and Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos. In fiction, José Cadalso's Moroccan Letters stand out for their social criticism.