Spanish Modernism: Literary Movements and Influences

Modernism

Modernism, a poetic movement, was introduced by Rubén Darío, heavily influenced by the French Symbolists, including Verlaine and Mallarmé.

Rubén Darío came to Spain as an American delegate during the Colombian centenary celebrations. By this time, he had achieved success with his poetry collection, Azul. After living in Paris, where he was influenced by symbolist writers, he adapted their styles to Castilian. He wrote Prosas Profanas. Upon his return to Spain in 1899, he was already considered a master by young Spanish writers, who were captivated by the magical sound of his verse.

Rubén Darío sparked a genuine renewal in Spanish literature, incorporating symbolic forms, contrasting with the realistic art of the Restoration writers, much like Garcilaso de la Vega did during the Renaissance.

Characteristics of Modernism

Modernism was primarily characterized by:

• Adoption of the French Alexandrine
• Use of the Latin foot in free verse
• Use of medieval metrical forms
• A profusion of images and metaphors

A group of writers influenced by modernism gradually moved away from this trend, adopting a critical stance.

Generation of '98

This generation emerged around the time of the military disasters of Cavite and Santiago de Cuba, and the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which resulted in Spain losing its last colonies.

This generation was united by a shared concern for the decline of Spain.

The core writers of this generation included: Azorín, Baroja, Unamuno, Antonio Machado, and Maeztu. Valle Inclán and Jacinto Benavente are also associated with this group.

Generation of '27

This generation marked the centenary of Góngora. The generation defended the Cordovan poet, who had been ostracized by critics of the 19th century.

The writers who composed this generation include: Federico García Lorca, Rafael Alberti, Gerardo Diego, Jorge Guillén, Dámaso Alonso, and Miguel Hernández.

Almost all of them were of similar age and had similar training.

Characteristics of the Generation of '27

• Admiration for the poetry of Juan Ramón Jiménez
• Worship of metaphor
• Dehumanized themes, repression of feelings, the cult of beauty, and aesthetics.