Spanish Poetry: From Miguel Hernández to the 80s

Contemporary Spanish Poetry

Miguel Hernández (Centenary)

Miguel Hernández serves as a bridge between the Generation of 27 and war poetry. This year marks the centenary of his death. His work signifies a return to humanistic themes, contrasting the dehumanized art theories prevalent in the twenties and among some avant-garde movements of '27.

His key works include:

• The Ray Which Never Ceases (sonnets)
• Wind Village (social issues, political commitment)
• Songbook and Ballads of Absences (prison poems: love, family, nostalgia, war)

Poetry of the 40s

Two main trends emerged:

Classical or Established Poetry

Emphasized both form (classic verse, sonnets, pentameter) and themes (religious sentiment, love, nature). Some poets also incorporated avant-garde forms. Notable figures include Leopoldo Panero and Luis Rosales.

Uprooted Poetry

Focused on the contemporary world and individual with a direct, often bitter, tone. Dámaso Alonso's Children of Wrath exemplifies this trend, characterized by existential angst, protest against injustice, and free verse with stark language.

Social Poetry of the 50s

Mirrored social realism in novels and theater, offering a critical perspective on reality. Key themes included social injustice, the struggle for freedom, and concerns about Spain's future. The form favored clear, simple language with a conversational tone, aiming to reach a wider audience. Prominent authors include Blas de Otero (I Ask for Peace and the Word), Gabriel Celaya, and José Hierro.

Poetry from the 60s to Today

A reaction against formulaic social poetry emerged in the late fifties, focusing on renewing poetic language and emphasizing formal and aesthetic values. While retaining social awareness, themes shifted towards personal and daily experiences, often with skepticism and moral undertones. Key poets include José Agustín Goytisolo, Jaime Gil de Viedma, José Ángel Valente, Claudio Rodríguez, and Ángel González.

The Seventies: Moving Beyond Social Poetry

The shift away from social poetry solidified in the seventies, marked by:

• Influence of mass media, especially film
• Diverse themes: personal, mass culture myths, cultural references, etc.
• Provocative tone, sometimes maverick
• Search for new forms of expression (collage, automatic writing)

The Eighties: Diverse Trends

The eighties witnessed various trends: avant-garde and experimental, neo-modernist, cultural, classical, intimate poetry of the new "sentimentality," etc. A resurgence of narrative poetry occurred, with poems incorporating anecdotes, characters, and colloquial language. Major poets include Luis García Montero, Antonio Gamoneda, and Antonio Colinas.