Spanish Literature: From Realism's Reaction to Avant-Garde Influences

Literary Shifts in Early 20th Century Spain

Since the late nineteenth century, a group of young writers reacted against the prevailing Realism. They believed art should not be limited to reproducing objects and real-world events. Instead, they emphasized reflecting the impact of these elements on the characters within their works.

Emergence of New Narrative Trends (1902)

In 1902, four significant narrative works appeared, signaling a shift:

• Love and Pedagogy by Miguel de Unamuno
• Will by Azorín
• Way of Perfection by Pío Baroja
• Autumn Sonata by Valle-Inclán

These works often feature characters grappling with boredom, melancholy, anguish, and the meaninglessness of life, which drive the narrative. Two distinct trends emerged in early 20th-century Spanish narrative:

The Generation of '98

This current, represented by Unamuno, Baroja, and Azorín, adopted a critical stance towards the social situation. They subjectively addressed the need to regenerate national life. Key characteristics include:

• Impressionistic and anxious tones
• Focus on existential problems
• Subjective point of view
• The problem of Spain as a central theme
• Preference for impressionistic techniques
• Emphasis on careful style
• Combination of realistic techniques with new elements
• Tendency towards shorter works

The Modernist Influence

Valle-Inclán, in contrast, chose to depict a decaying world through precious, ornate prose, aligning aesthetically with Modernism. His approach was characterized by:

• Representing a decaying world
• Precious and rich prose
• Ornamentation in style
• Aesthetic procedures close to Modernism

The Generation of '14 (Noucentists)

Around 1914, a new literary and intellectual generation began to form, comprising writers born between approximately 1880 and 1890. Common characteristics included:

• Admiration for Europe and strong intellectual/cultural training
• Introduction of European literary avant-garde movements
• Defense of classicism
• Cultivation of an aesthetic for educated minorities

Notable writers from this generation, also known as the Noucentists or the Generation of '14, include:

• Gabriel Miró (Cemetery of Cherries), whose prose was a significant aesthetic achievement.
• Ramón Pérez de Ayala (The Fox's Leg), who focused on the intellectual novel, largely devoid of social criticism.

The Noucentists practiced a form of pure art, detached from social issues. However, by the 1920s, the idea that literature could not remain indifferent to social and political matters gained traction.

Literature and Social Engagement

Many writers in the late 1920s aligned themselves with specific political or social ideas. With the outbreak of the civil war, few remained neutral.

Examples of Engagement

• Agustín de Foxá (1903-1959), a nationalist writer (Madrid Court to Czech).
• Arturo Barea (1897-1957), a militant leftist who wrote part of his work in exile (The Forging of a Rebel).