Understanding Spain's Generation of '27 Poets

The Generation of '27: A Literary Movement

The Generation of '27 was a prominent group of Spanish poets and writers who emerged in the 1920s. The group's name commemorates the tercentenary of the death of Baroque poet Luis de Góngora, an event that led to the publication of his works and the organization of cultural events, fostering a shared identity among these young artists.

Key Poets of the Generation of '27

• Gerardo Diego
• Jorge Guillén
• Dámaso Alonso
• Pedro Salinas
• Federico García Lorca
• Rafael Alberti
• Luis Cernuda
• Vicente Aleixandre
• Manuel Altolaguirre
• Emilio Prados

Defining Features of the Group

• A blend of tradition and avant-garde styles.
• Strong influence from classical poets, particularly Luis de Góngora.
• Embrace of pure poetry, emphasizing aesthetic beauty and form.
• Development of distinct individual styles while maintaining group cohesion.

Evolution of the Group's Path

In the 1920s, the works of the Generation of '27 were characterized by the influence of pure poetry, art for art's sake, and a deep appreciation for Góngora's poetic style. By the 1930s, however, individual differences in styles and interests among the authors began to emerge. A common feature during this period was a shift in focus: a reduced interest in pure poetry in favor of addressing pressing social and political issues.

After the Spanish Civil War

The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) had a devastating impact on the Generation of '27, effectively causing the group to cease to exist as a cohesive unit. Federico García Lorca was tragically assassinated. Rafael Alberti, Luis Cernuda, Pedro Salinas, and Jorge Guillén went into exile, while others suffered repression under the dictatorship.

Prominent Authors and Their Works

Jorge Guillén

His monumental collection Cántico is a cornerstone of pure poetry. Later in his career, works like Clamor addressed social and political issues, reflecting the post-Civil War reality.

Gerardo Diego

Diego's work spans both avant-garde and traditional styles. His avant-garde collection Manual de espumas contrasts with traditional works like Versos humanos and Alondra de verdad, which include amorous sonnets and metric explorations.

Pedro Salinas

Salinas's poetry, notably in La voz a ti debida and Razón de amor, shows the influence of Juan Ramón Jiménez's pure poetry. His themes encompass love, as well as social and political concerns.

Dámaso Alonso

A major literary scholar, essayist, and poet, Dámaso Alonso's most renowned poetic work is Hijos de la ira. His best-known works often reflect the angst and existential concerns of the post-war period.

Federico García Lorca

Lorca's diverse oeuvre includes popular poetry like Romancero Gitano and avant-garde works such as Poeta en Nueva York. He is also celebrated for his rural dramas: Bodas de sangre, Yerma, and La casa de Bernarda Alba.

Rafael Alberti

Alberti's poetry ranges from popular and traditional styles, exemplified by Marinero en tierra, to avant-garde works like Sobre los ángeles. His later work increasingly reflected strong political and social commitment.

Luis Cernuda

His collected poetic works, La realidad y el deseo, explore themes of love as a path to freedom, often clashing with a repressive society. Cernuda's poetry also shows a significant influence of Surrealism.

Vicente Aleixandre

A Nobel laureate, Aleixandre's notable works include La destrucción o el amor. His poetry, initially influenced by Surrealism, evolved to incorporate more social themes in his mature period.