Spanish Romanticism: History and Literature
Historical Context of the Romantic Period
The Romantic Period covers the first half of the 19th Century (XIX). This period was preceded by the Neoclassicism movement.
Romanticism is a cultural and political movement that highlights new facets of human beings: their feelings, ideas, dreams, and fantasies.
The War of Independence and the Salic Law
The historical setting was set in motion during the War of Independence. During this time, Ferdinand VII reigned. His daughter, Isabella II, was the subject of much controversy due to the Salic Law, which prevented women from taking the throne. By eliminating this law, the King faced opposition from his brother, Charles, who wanted to reign instead of Isabella. This conflict led to the Carlist Wars.
- Salic Law: A law that impeded women from occupying the throne.
Core Topics of Romantic Literature
The main themes include privacy, freedom, rebellion, landscape, the national past, and various political and philosophical themes.
- Freedom: The Romantic "I" does not recognize itself in society and seeks freedom, living apart from established standards.
- Rebellion: Confrontation with the world leads to rebellion. Therefore, many Romantic characters are social outcasts or rebels, such as pirates and beggars.
Principal Features of Romanticism
- Rupture with Neoclassicism: Romanticism is distinguished by its intense desire for freedom.
- New Conception of the Individual: A focus on individuality and the search for a better world.
- Search for a New Reality: A quest for a more beautiful, dignified, and poetic reality, driven by the imagination. This includes an interest in the Golden Age, mysterious countries, and more.
The Role of Landscape and Genre
The landscape receives special treatment because it reflects the state of mind of the writer. The lyric is the literary genre most suitable for reflecting the writer's inner world.
Characteristics of the Romantic Lyric
- Subjectivism: A focus on the personal perspective.
- Polymetry: A reflection of creativity and the desire to experiment with different verses and stanzas.
- Musicality: A style that emphasizes rhythmic and sound values within the language.
Representative Writers of the Romantic Lyric
José de Espronceda
His notable works include:
- Pirate Songs
- Hymn to the Sun
- El Estudiante de Salamanca
- Canto a Teresa
- El Diablo Mundo
Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer
Bécquer's style is characterized by a departure from full-blown romance. He preferred a simpler language to express intimacy. His works include:
- Rhymes and Legends
- History of the Temples of Spain
- Letters from my Cell
- Book of the Sparrows
Rosalía de Castro
A poet born in Santiago de Compostela and a forerunner of the Galician cultural Rexurdimento. Her highlights include:
- Follas Novas
- On the Banks of the Sar