Spanish Literature: Neoclassicism to Generation of '98

Spanish Literature: T-5 Movements

1. Neoclassicism (18th Century)

Characteristics: Literature focused on utility and delight, emphasizing reason and classical forms.

1.1 Didactic Poetry: The Fables

Written in verse with simple metrics, featuring humorous short narration.

• Authors: Félix María Samaniego / Tomás de Iriarte (e.g., The Flutist Donkey).

1.2 The Pictorial Essay

Purpose: Didactic; writes to propose ideas and communicate what should critically be reformed.

• Author: Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos (e.g., Report on the Agrarian Law, Report on Shows and Public Entertainment).

1.3 Neoclassical Theater

Adherence to the Rule of Three Units (action, time, and place). Focuses on critical perspective and verisimilitude.

• Author: Leandro Fernández de Moratín (e.g., The New Comedy, The Girls' Consent).

2. Romanticism (19th Century)

Characteristics: Exaltation of liberty and strong individualism.

• Individualism
• Rebellion
• Idealism

2.1 The Romantic Lyric: José de Espronceda

Poetry characterized by exalted Romanticism.

• Exalted Poetry: Pirate Song, The Executioner, The Cossack, Death of the Defendant.
• Narrative Poems: The Student of Salamanca.
• Love Compositions: The Devil World.

2.2 The Post-Romantic Lyric: Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer

Characterized by an intimate vision and poetic sensibility.

• Works: Rhymes (based on emotions, imaginative suggestion, and irrational or mysterious intuition).

3. Realism (19th Century)

Intention: Objective observation of social reality and detailed portraiture in the novel.

• Author: Benito Pérez Galdós (e.g., Fortunata and Jacinta, The Disinherited, Bringas, Miau).

3.1 The Realistic Narrative: Leopoldo Alas "Clarín"

Known for using different narrative points of view.

• Work: The Judge's Wife (La Regenta).

Spanish Literature: T-6 Movements

1. Modernism

Impulse led by Rubén Darío, focusing on aesthetic renewal.

Characteristics:

• Plasticity and Musicality
• New Metric Forms
• New Themes

Key Authors:

• Prose: Ramón María del Valle-Inclán.
• Poetry: Juan Ramón Jiménez, Antonio Machado.

1.1 Modernist Poetry: Rubén Darío

• Works: Azul..., Profane Hymns and Other Poems (Prosas Profanas), Songs of Life and Hope.

2. The Generation of '98

Radical reformist ideals based on aesthetic subjectivism.

Characteristics:

• Concern for the problems of Spain
• Existential issues
• Sobriety

2.1 The Noventayochista Novel: Pío Baroja

• Novels: Zalacaín the Adventurer, Shanti Andía, Memories of a Man of Action, The Tree of Science.

2.2 Antonio Machado (Poetry)

Focus on essential themes and introspection.

• Poetry Themes/Works: The Essential Word in the Afternoon, Time, Sleep, The Way.