Spanish Novel Movements: Tremendismo, Social Realism, and the 1960s Renewal

The Spanish Novel in the Mid-20th Century: 1940s to 1960s

The Post-War Novel (1940s): Exile and Tremendismo

This period saw the rise of the social novel, committed to the political and social conflicts that culminated in the 1936 confrontation. This literary trend evolved independently and parallel to the narrative produced by writers who went into exile due to the Republican cause, continuing to write and publish from countries in America.

The Novel in Exile

The most prominent author of the novel in exile was Ramón J. Sender. His work is characterized by ideological commitment. A key work is Crónica del alba (1942).

Early Post-War Novel in Spain (Tremendismo)

The early post-war novel reflected the mood of existential pessimism in Spain:

• The Family of Pascual Duarte (1942): Authored by Camilo José Cela, this work features a difficult plot abundant in gratuitous violence, told in language that evokes rural speech yet is carefully crafted. Although set in an imprecise time, it captured the existential mood of post-war Spain.
• Nada (1945): Another significant early post-war novel.

The Novel of the 1950s: Social Realism

Social Realism is based on a critical vision of the surrounding society. This movement was crucial in reflecting the realities of Francoist Spain.

Key Works of Social Realism

The movement was inaugurated by The Hive and includes other outstanding works:

• The Hive (1951): Edited in Buenos Aires and censored in Spain, this novel by Camilo José Cela reflects the social reality of the era, focusing especially on the lower middle class and poor people living hand-to-mouth with uncertain futures. It is structured in six chapters and an epilogue.
• Between Curtains (1957): By Carmen Martín Gaite.
• Mine (1960): By Armando López Salinas.

The Renewal of the 1960s: Structural Innovation

The novels of this period are considered “open works,” demanding an active role from the reader. This renewal marked a shift away from the strict social realism of the previous decade.

Features of the 1960s Novel

The main features of this innovative period include:

• Multiple Perspective: Limiting the importance of a single argument or plot line.
• Complex Structure: Often employing kaleidoscopic counterpoint.
• Interior Monologues: Used extensively to delve into character psychology.
• Style and Language: Characterized by clarity, accuracy, and ease, with language reflecting the cultural background of the characters.

Major Works and Authors

• Tiempo de silencio (1962) by Luis Martín-Santos: The argument is simple: Peter, a physician investigating cancer in post-war Madrid, becomes involved in a clandestine abortion in a shantytown. After being arrested and proving his innocence, he suffers vengeance from the shantytown residents. Peter is a passive character whose personality serves as a thread offering insight into various social settings (the high intellectual class, the petty bourgeoisie, and the marginalized).
• Five Hours with Mario (1966) by Miguel Delibes: The novel is an interior monologue delivered by Carmen, a middle-class woman watching over the corpse of her husband, Mario. The contrast between Mario and Carmen reflects the tension between traditional Spain and the desire for a Spain moving forward.
• Last Evening with Teresa (1966) by Juan Marsé: A formally innovative novel that offers a sarcastic criticism of the progressive bourgeoisie.