Spanish Literature and Context: From Franco's Dictatorship to Democracy

Spanish Literature: The Postwar Period (1939-1975)

Historical Context of Postwar Spain

The period begins in 1939, establishing in Spain the dictatorial regime of General Franco, which lasted until 1975.

• In 1977, the first democratic elections were held, and in 1978, the Constitution was adopted. Democracy was restored under the monarchy of Juan Carlos I.

Social Transformations and Economic Boom

The postwar years were initially tough economically.

• Economic Boom (1950s): Starting in the 1950s, an economic boom led to the country's modernization and opening toward Europe. This enabled a more critical attitude toward the dictatorship among certain social sectors.
• Post-Franco Changes (1975 onwards): Following the death of Franco in 1975, significant social transformations occurred, such as the increasing incorporation of women into working life.

Cultural Environment and Censorship

Culturally, the censorship of events initially hindered freedom of expression.

• 1960s Openness: From the 1960s onward, a certain openness reduced cultural isolation. This had positive repercussions on artistic productions, which increased and diversified.

Literary Context: Genres and Evolution

The Evolution of the Spanish Novel

The Spanish novel evolved through several distinct stages:

• 1940s: Existential Rootlessness and Anxiety. This period was typical of the postwar era. Notably, exiled authors outside of Spain wrote novels of significant interest.
• 1950s: Social Realism. Characterized by the desire to portray reality in an objective fashion.
• 1960s: Experimental Narrative. Marked by the influence of new narrative techniques used by European and Latin American authors, and a strong interest in language itself.
• Since 1975: Recovery of Storytelling. The quest to tell a good story was recovered, introducing new names and themes.

Phases of Postwar Spanish Poetry

Spanish poetry developed through several coexisting phases:

• Postwar Coexistence: Existential poetry (covering topics like loneliness or anxiety) coexisted with avant-garde poetry (focused on artistic freedom) and social poetry (focused on political protest).
• 1960s Synthesis: A synthesis emerged between social and existential poetry.
• "Poetry of the Last Things": This phase included topics outside the direct life experience of the author.
• Since 1975: Experience vs. Anti-Realism. Two main trends emerged:
  • Poetry from Experience: Incorporates daily experiences using plain language.
  • Anti-Realist Poetry: Moves away from the biographical, making language the central protagonist.

Development of Spanish Theater

Spanish theater can be divided into three main periods:

• 1950s: Coexisting Dramas. This decade saw the coexistence of:
  • Existential drama (featuring characters tormented by loneliness).
  • Comic theater (often including a delusional mood).
  • Drama of social criticism.
• 1960s and 1970s: Experimental Theater. This period featured more experimental theater, combining social criticism with a transformation of stage conventions.
• Contemporary Theater: The current tendency favors realism in stage conventions.