Spanish Romanticism: The Works of Larra and Rosalía de Castro

The Prose of Mariano José de Larra

Mariano José de Larra was born in Madrid and spent part of his childhood in France. In Spain, he studied with the Escolapians and the Jesuits. Upon his return to Madrid, he dedicated himself to literature; censorship would occupy his attention after the translation of several French works. He published five issues of El Duende Satírico del Día and also wrote for the Revista Española and El Observador. He traveled through various European countries. Although he obtained a record as a deputy, his moderate support for the sector earned him many political criticisms. To his political disillusionment was joined the abandonment by his lover, leading him to commit suicide with a shot to the head.

Artículos de Costumbres: Articles of Manners

In these articles, Larra critically analyzes reality and proposes reforms to achieve a society that is more free and cultured. The most important items are "El castellano viejo" (The Old Castilian), "Casarse pronto y mal" (To Marry Soon and Badly), and "Vuelva usted mañana" (Come Back Tomorrow).

Political and Literary Criticism Articles

In his political articles, he reflects his liberal ideology and the political reality of Spain, addressing issues such as freedom of expression and censorship. Most of his literary criticism articles are dedicated to the critique of plays, aiming to educate the public regarding representations. He praised neoclassical comedy and drama, as well as romantic works by foreign authors.

Larra's Narrative Style and Pseudonyms

Larra frequently appealed to pseudonyms, such as Fígaro. In his writing, a fictional narrator reflects on and often recounts situations in which they are protagonists or witnesses to other characters used as examples of what he wants to criticize. In his narrative structure, Larra recurs to dialogue between characters, between pseudonyms, or between the narrator and the reader, as well as the exchange of letters.

The Poetic Legacy of Rosalía de Castro

Rosalía de Castro, the illegitimate daughter of María Teresa de Castro, was born in Santiago de Compostela and was never acknowledged by her father. She moved to Madrid, where she published her first book of poems: La Flor. Rosalía's work contributed significantly to the rebirth of modern literature in the Galician language. Her poetry is situated between the more intimate lyrical tendency of Romanticism and the transition to Symbolism.

Existential Themes and Galician Identity

Her main themes include pain, where she explores loneliness, the exhaustion of living, and a predominant vision of existential pessimism. Other themes include love, literary creation, and the necessity of writing poetry. Regarding the Galician land, her work Cantares Gallegos focuses on the customs, traditions, and landscape of Galicia. She also addresses the drama of emigration, the harshness of peasant life, marginalization, and abandonment, exalting her land and language while criticizing the oblivion and contempt from other provinces, especially Castile.