Spanish Literature from Neoclassicism to Realism

The 18th Century: Neoclassicism

Also known as the 18th century, the Age of Reason, or the Enlightenment (Ilustración), this was a time of rationalist spirit and a zeal to create progress. This reform movement, of French origin, sought to transform society and culture through the spread of the Enlightenment. It aimed to illuminate society with the light of reason, moving apart from faith. Absolute monarchs themselves implemented reforms from their position of power through enlightened despotism, whose motto was "everything for the people, but without the people" (todo para el pueblo, pero sin el pueblo).

The great political and social transformation that occurred in this century ended with the French Revolution. During the 18th century, the majority of Spanish society was opposed to these reformist ideas because a traditionalist mindset triumphed in this era.

In this century, Neoclassicism triumphed as the predominant artistic manifestation. Its style recovered the classical ideals of harmony and naturalness from the Greco-Roman and Renaissance periods, rejecting Baroque aesthetics. Literature intended to be useful, aiming to disseminate new didactic ideas following the neoclassical aesthetics of simplicity, clarity, and good taste. Thus, genres such as the fable, the essay, and drama grew significantly.

Key Neoclassical Authors and Works

• Fable Authors:
  • Félix María de Samaniego
  • Tomás de Iriarte (author of The Musical Donkey / El burro flautista)
• Essay Authors:
  • Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos (author of The Report on the Agrarian Law / Informe sobre la Ley Agraria)

The 19th Century: Romanticism and Realism

The 19th century was a period of great political, social, and economic liberalism across Europe, striving against absolutism. Over time, the bourgeoisie consolidated its access to power, and revolutionary movements and industrialization arose.

In the 19th century, two literary trends developed in Europe and appeared a little later in Spain: Romanticism in the first half, and Realism in the second half.

Romanticism was born in the late 18th century in England and Germany, originating from the German movement Sturm und Drang (Storm and Stress / "storm and thrust"). Romantic literature found its main channel in the genres of poetry and theater. It continued throughout the second half of the century with Post-Romanticism, which was more intimate (intimista).

Realism, of French origin, corresponded instead to the social transformations resulting from industrial development. Realistic literature rejected Romantic subjectivity and proposed, instead, to act like a mirror reflecting the everyday reality of society. In Realism, the novel triumphed as the main genre. Toward the end of the century, realist literature in Spain received the influence of Naturalism.