Spanish Poetry: Civil War's Impact and Post-War Voices

In 1936, the Spanish Civil War erupted, profoundly impacting poetic groups and dividing society. This division was starkly reflected in the poetry of the era, with poetic culture often serving as a propaganda weapon.

Poetry in Exile After the Spanish Civil War

Many poets were forced into exile. Key figures and groups include:

• Poets of the Generation of '14: Notably Juan Ramón Jiménez.
• Poets of the Generation of '27: Including figures like Federico García Lorca (though his fate was tragic within Spain, many others from this generation went into exile).
• Poets whose work had barely begun:
  • Juan Gil-Albert: He managed to reconcile an initial serene and reflective poetry with moral-civic engagement.
  • Arturo Serrano Plaja: His work cries out against human suffering.
  • Germán Bleiberg: His poems evolved from a classical tone to a freer poetic expression.

Spanish Poetry in Post-War Spain

Within Spain, poetry continued to evolve under challenging circumstances.

Early Post-War Poetic Trends

In this initial post-war stage, we find poets who were more or less contemporaries of Miguel Hernández. This period is sometimes referred to as the "divided generation" (generación escindida).

Rooted Poetry: Optimism and Tradition

A group of poets, often publishing their works in the magazine Garcilaso, represented an optimistic current known as "rooted poetry" (poesía arraigada). Topics included: religious sentiment, landscape, love, and beauty. Prominent poets: Dionisio Ridruejo, Luis Rosales, Leopoldo Panero, and Luis Felipe Vivanco.

Uprooted Poetry: Dissent and Tragedy

In contrast, "uprooted poetry" (poesía desarraigada) offered criticism and dissent. These poets often published in the magazine Espadaña. This poetry was marked by a tragic sense from its inception. Its style was straightforward and simple, less concerned with aestheticism. Notable poets: Dámaso Alonso, Gabriel Celaya, Blas de Otero, and José Luis Hidalgo.

Other Poetic Trends: Postismo and Cántico

Beyond the opposing trends of rooted and uprooted poetry, other movements emerged. One notable movement was Postismo, championed by Carlos Edmundo de Ory, which aimed to be an Iberian surrealism by linking poetry and art. Another significant poetic group was Cántico from Cordoba, known for its intimate poetry concerned with aesthetics.

Social Poetry and Realism's Rise

Social Realism became consolidated in Spanish poetry during this period. Key works include Pido la paz y la palabra (I Ask for Peace and the Word) by Blas de Otero, Cantos Íberos (Iberian Songs) by Gabriel Celaya, and Historia del corazón (History of the Heart) by Vicente Aleixandre. The poet expressed solidarity with the common people and their struggles, focusing on immediate problems. Topics often centered on: Spain, with an increasing political focus. An example is Dios sobre España (God over Spain) by Carlos Bousoño.

Transition to a New Poetic Voice

While social issues remained present, other evolving trends began to surface, moving towards a new kind of poetry. Notable poets leading this transition: Jaime Gil de Biedma, Ángel González, and José Ángel Valente. These poets shared several common features:

• Concern for fundamental human issues.
• A sense of nonconformity and skepticism.
• A return to more intimate themes in their poetry.
• Rejection of the prosaic nature of purely social poetry; they sought a personal, refined language and were attracted to avant-garde experiences.

The Novísimos: A New Avant-Garde

The publication of the anthology Nueve novísimos poetas españoles (Nine Newest Spanish Poets) marked a significant shift. Compiled by Pere Gimferrer, it collected poems by writers such as Manuel Vázquez Montalbán, Gimferrer himself, and Leopoldo María Panero, among others. They represented the spirit of the May '68 generation and were poets born after the Civil War. Key characteristics and topics:

• A sense of unease with certain aspects of society.
• A sarcastic stance against consumer society.
• A prevailing skepticism.
• A strong pursuit of aesthetic goals.

Their central objective was the renewal of poetic language, often breaking with conventional logic to reflect an absurd world. It can be said that they represented a new avant-garde in Spanish poetry.