Spanish Romanticism: Poetry, Theater, and Historical Context

Spanish Romanticism: An Overview

As for poetry, it reflects the transition from neoclassical to romantic aesthetics. The rise appears after Ferdinand VII's death, leading to the composition of many pieces, spreading through both oral and written traditions. Main topics included feelings, societal protest, love, intimacy, and historical legends. The context-free grammar had variety and metrics (especially with the use of polarimetry, i.e., mixtures), combining verse and prose and creating new stanzas.

In Romantic poetry, there is a great development of narrative poetry, verses recounting historical, legendary, or fictional events, with works such as "Student of Salamanca" by the Duke of Ribas and "Devil World" by Espronceda. Lyric poetry, expressing romantic verses and themes characteristic of Romanticism, includes authors like Espronceda and Zorrilla.

Theater in the Romantic Era

During the first third of the century, Spanish theater's situation was precarious. However, from the 1820s, there was a striking appearance of Italian opera, which was well-received. With the triumph of Romanticism, romantic dramas quickly gained success. Although Baroque theater scenes persisted beyond mid-century, works of romantic inspiration were still welcome. The main theme of the drama is absolute and ideal love, which is above all. The development introduced lyrical passages, the passage of time, and the desire for a fairer society. The inability to achieve pure and perfect love in a hostile world often led to tragic endings.

Romantic dramas were usually written in verse. Highlighted authors include the Duke of Ribas and Zorrilla, especially with "Don Juan Tenorio."

The Legend of Don Juan

"Don Juan Tenorio" was important because it drew upon the myth of Don Juan, a tradition in world literature. It tells the story of a man named Don Miguel de Mañara, who lived a dissipated life dedicated to partying. Walking through the streets of Seville one night, he opened a wall and at dawn saw a funeral. When he knelt down to ask who had died, he realized it was his own funeral. This vision changed his life, leading him to become a better person, engaging with the needy and even establishing a hospital. His life became more religious.

Historical and Political Context

The peculiar historical and political circumstances that Spain experienced during the first third of the nineteenth century explain the late arrival and unique development of Romanticism.

Some authors displayed features announcing a change in sensitivity and greater attention to the sentimental. The Revolutionary War and the introduction of absolutism caused intellectuals to disperse.

Romanticism in Spain was characterized by its short duration, with realism emerging as a reaction. Two important dates are 1833, when Ferdinand VII died and exiles returned, and 1835, the peak when authors like Bécquer and Rosalía de Castro appeared.

Three Ways of Penetration

There were three ways this cultural movement penetrated Spain:

• The first came from outsiders, notably Martínez de la Rosa and the Duke of Ribas, with Espronceda as a key figure.
• The second involved a German named Nicholas Faber Bolho, echoing the interest of German Romantics in Calderón. He is known as the father of "Fernán Caballero" and wrote informative articles.
• The third was in Barcelona, with the publication of the magazine "The Europeans," which held romantic notions. Three plays also appeared: "Conspiracy of Venice" in 1834, "Don Álvaro" in 1835, and "Don Juan Tenorio" in 1844.