Spanish Poetry: Social Realism to Introspection (1950s-1960s)

Poetry of the 1950s: Social Realism and Commitment

Social poetry aimed to reveal the true reality of humanity and the nation, a stark contrast to the official narrative. It viewed poetry as a means of societal change, a tool to bear witness and denounce injustices, social inequities, and the lack of political freedoms. This conception of poetry led to specific thematic and formal consequences. Themes were primarily constructed to serve the poem's intended purpose. They bore witness to economic hardships, the alienation of labor, and sang of solidarity and struggle. The themes of Spain and the Civil War became constant benchmarks. The ideal recipient of this poetry was the broadest possible audience, the largest number of people. Hence, the language employed was direct, often colloquial, and at times prosaic.

Key Poets and Works of the 1950s

• Blas de Otero: Ángel fieramente humano, Redoble de conciencia, Pido la paz y la palabra
• Gabriel Celaya: Cantos Ibéricos
• José Hierro: Cuaderno de Nueva York

Poetry of the 1960s: Introspection and Aesthetic Renewal

By the mid-1950s, a new generation of poets emerged, elevating the artistic quality of poetry, consolidating their influence in the 1960s. Notable figures include Ángel González, José Ángel Valente, José Agustín Goytisolo, Jaime Gil de Biedma, and Félix Grande. Several of them shared close friendships, having been children of the Civil War and experiencing the harshest period of the post-war era. Their loyalty was no longer solely to communication. While communication remained an element of poetry, it was neither the sole nor the primary one. Poetry became a means of understanding reality, illuminating aspects of humanity and the world previously unexplored. Their early works were influenced by social poets, with Antonio Machado serving as an ethical and aesthetic example. Their trajectory shifted towards intimacy and individual expression. Experiences of friendship, love, work, and even a paradisiacal childhood or adolescence, though sometimes treated with skepticism or irony, became central themes. Another key difference from earlier poets was their approach to language. The colloquial tone was refined, elevating it to an artistic level. They eschewed overt emotionalism, prosaism, and the transformation of a poem into a political rallying cry. Instead, humor and irony imbued the poem with the characteristics of an intimate conversation.

Most Representative Works of the 1960s

• Ángel González: Tratado de urbanismo
• Jaime Gil de Biedma: Poemas póstumos
• Claudio Rodríguez: Don de la ebriedad
• José Agustín Goytisolo: Salmos al viento
• José Ángel Valente: La memoria y los signos
• Félix Grande: Blanco espiritual