Understanding Modernism in Spanish Literature

Modernism: Rejects the vision of reality that values utilitarianism above all. It overcomes the tediousness and lack of imagination of writers, aiming to achieve beauty by renewing the language. Historical Context: The colonies are lost, and there is little industrialization. Two Trends:

1. Literature that is sensual, expressing feelings and exotic landscapes, with poetry of evasion that excels in external aspects.
2. Introspective literature that expresses feelings and emotions, no matter how intimate.

Language: Utilizes learned words and neologisms, employing figurative language to create beauty. Metrica: Poetry of all kinds. Ruben Dario's second stage: Work and Issues Reflective and intimate poetry filled with melancholy (songs of life and hope). Items: The intimacy of the poet, his loves, dreams, desires, and melancholy, along with a concern for destiny. Style: Values phonic sound, musicality, and alliteration. Cultism in lexical value, semantic neologisms, metaphors, symbols, and synesthesia. Metrica: All types, with varied rates.

98: Issues:

1. The problems of Spain, aiming to rediscover the lands, peoples, and nations of Spain, its past, and its literary tradition. Two attitudes: one criticizing injustice, poverty, and neglect, and another praising the scenery and beauty of Spain.
2. Existential reflection on the passage of time, death, and fate, provoking anxiety, pessimism, and apathy.

Style: Modernist innovations presented in simple language filled with lyricism. All Genres: Essay.

Azorín: Novels and essays. *Castilla* (essay), *The Clouds*... Importance of lyrical evocation of the landscape and the simple things of the past. He values a critical view of history and the lands of Spain over time. Style: Clarity and precision of vocabulary, richness in adjectivation, and expression of sensations.

Unamuno: Essays reflect his ideas and obsessions about Spain (anonymous history, Spanish identity through the landscape) and existential issues (meaning of life, the need to reach God, immortality...). His novels explore the same issues. His poetry expresses deep feelings, while his theater reveals the authenticity of the inner world of characters. Style: Culture, character, and passionate sentiment, with reflective figures of opposition.

Baroja: Novels (trilogy), stories, biographies, essays, memoirs, plays, and poetry. Themes: A critical view of the conflict between life and country, with reflections on abulic characters. Technique: Believable protagonists, environmental descriptions, dialogue, rhythm, and clarity. Style: Simple irony and satire. *Zalacaín the Adventurer*, *Martin Came to the Top*...

Inclán: Novels, poetry, and theater (best playwright). His work reflects reality in two stages: the grotesque: the most brilliant and innovative, with caricatures of characters that denounce human defects in a satirical manner, addressing issues like corruption, despotism, and injustice. Parasintéticas