Spanish Literature: The Noucentisme and Generation of '27 Movements
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- Noucentisme
- Noucentisme, a cultural movement in Spain during the 1910s, positioned itself as the voice of the new century, opposing the characteristics of the previous era.
- While the Noucentista writers didn't share a unified group identity, they had overlapping traits:
- Strong intellectual foundation: They were primarily philosophers, essayists, historians, and critics.
- Europeanism: This distinguished them from the Generation of '98, which focused on Castilian themes.
- Emphasis on meticulous craftsmanship: Like Juan Ramón Jiménez, they valued well-thought-out work, rejecting improvisation.
- Rationalism: They prioritized intellectual rigor, objective analysis, and clear presentation.
- Anti-romanticism: They rejected sentimentality and passion, favoring classicism, balance, and rational expression.
- Advocacy for pure art: They believed art shouldn't serve religious, political, or personal agendas.
- Key figures of this movement include: Ortega y Gasset, Eugenio D'Ors, Manuel Azaña, Américo Castro (essayists); Gabriel Miró, Ramón Pérez de Ayala, Ramón Gómez de la Serna, Wenceslao Fernández Flórez (narrative); and Juan Ramón Jiménez and León Felipe (poetry).
- Generation of '27
- Emerging two decades later, the Generation of '27 poets shared a cultural context shaped by avant-garde movements.
- This group, fostered by camaraderie, friendship, and cultural exchange, was brought to light by Dámaso Alonso during the tricentennial celebration of Góngora.
- In order of age, the group included: Pedro Salinas, Jorge Guillén, Gerardo Diego, Vicente Aleixandre, Federico García Lorca, Emilio Prados, Rafael Alberti, Luis Cernuda, Dámaso Alonso, and Manuel Altolaguirre.
- The Residencia de Estudiantes, a hub of intellectual and artistic activity, played a significant role in their development. Lorca, Prados, Dalí, and Buñuel resided there, and Alberti, Guillén, and Aleixandre were frequent visitors. Eminent figures like Unamuno, Einstein, and Marie Curie also graced the Residencia, solidifying its status as a cultural center.
- Literary magazines, such as Revista de Occidente and Litoral, were crucial for disseminating the work of the Generation of '27.
- Avant-Garde and Tradition
- The Generation of '27 embraced cosmopolitanism and diverse influences, reviving various styles and authors.
- Their revival of traditional Spanish poetry (romances, villancicos) is termed neopopularism.
- They drew inspiration from Góngora, Garcilaso, Lope de Vega, Quevedo, Bécquer, Darío, Unamuno, and Machado.
- Influential Figures
- Juan Ramón Jiménez: A literary guide, his poetry served as a model for pure Spanish poetics.
- José Ortega y Gasset: His philosophical and theoretical influence, particularly The Dehumanization of Art, shaped their literary perspectives.
- Themes and Forms
- The Generation of '27 explored human experiences (love, destiny, death), while also engaging with technological advancements, urban development, and the concept of freedom.
- The City: They explored both the allure and the negative aspects of urban development.
- Love: They embraced all manifestations of love, emphasizing freedom and acknowledging both joy and pain.
- The Arts: Avant-garde movements significantly influenced their literary and poetic themes.
- Forms: Guillén's emphasis on "speaking through images" reflects the group's focus on imagery. They combined traditional forms (romance, sonnet) with innovative techniques.