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	Topics Spanish literature Topic Home The term Spanish literature refers to literatureLiterature Literature is literally "acquaintance with letters" as in the first sense given in the Oxford English Dictionary .... written in the Spanish languageFacts About Spanish language Spanish or Castilian is an Iberian Romance language.... , including literature composed in Spanish by writers not necessarily from SpainSpain Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain , is a European parliamentary monarchy.... . For Spanish American literature specifically, see Latin American literatureLatin American literature Latin American literature refers to the literature of Latin America.... . This article uses the notion of Spanish literature as the literature of Spain. It includes Spanish poetrySpanish poetry Spanish poetry is the poetic tradition of Spain.... , proseProse Prose is writing distinguished from poetry by its greater variety of rhythm and its closer resemblance to the patterns of ev... and novelNovel A novel is an extended, generally fictional narrative in prose.... s. Due to historic, geographic and generational diversity, Spanish literature has known a great number of influences and it is very diverse. Some major literary movements can be identified within it. Early Spanish Literature and the Middle Ages The Jarchas It was believed that the first Ibero-RomanceIberian Romance languages The formation of Iberian Romance languages followed more or less this process:... literature began with the anonymous epic poem, the Poema del Cid, written around 1140AD. However, in 1948, Hebrew scholar Samuel M. Stern published 24 jarchas, "short lyric poems written in very archaic Spanish," which he had found in a synagogueSynagogue Overview A synagogue is a Jewish place of religious worship.... in CairoCairo Cairo translated the "land of Ra'" It comes from two Coptic words "Kahi"... . Stern and Spanish scholar Emilio García GómezEmilio García Gómez Emilio Garc?a G?mez was a Spanish Arabist, literary historian and critic, whose talent as a poet enriched his many translat... later found more jarchas, and since 1948 their sum total is over fifty. The jarcha is usually the lament of a lower-class woman for her absent sweetheart. It is the final three- or four-lined stanzaStanza In poetry, a stanza is a unit within a larger poem.... of the muwashshahMuwashshah Muwaššah is an Arab poetic form and an eastern secular musical genre which uses muwaššah texts for lyrics.... , a form of verse used by ArabicArabic literature Arabic literature is the writing produced, both prose and poetry, by speakers of the Arabic language.... and HebrewHebrew literature Summary Hebrew literature consists of ancient, medieval, and modern writings in the Hebrew language.... poets from the eleventh to the thirteenth century. The jarcha is written in MozarabicMozarabic language Mozarabic was a continuum of closely related Iberian Romance dialects spoken in Muslim dominated areas of the Iberian Penins... , a Romance language spoken by the majority of the population during this period. Because the Arabic and Hebrew characters lacked certain vowel signs, scholars have trouble in transliterating the jarchas. The lack of knowledge of the Mozarabic language also hinders interpretations. Nonetheless, it is now widely accepted that Mozarabic was a separate Romance language which evolved directly from Vulgar LatinVulgar Latin Vulgar Latin is a blanket term covering the vernacular dialects of the Latin language spoken mostly in the western province... , not from Castilian SpanishCastilian Spanish Castilian Spanish is a term related to the Spanish language, but whose actual meaning is disputed even in that language.... . Cantar de Mio Cid The Cantar de Mio CidCantar de Mio Cid El Cantar de Mio Cid is the oldest preserved Spanish cantar de gesta.... was written about a real man--his battles, conquests, and daily life. The poet, name unknown, wrote the epic in about 1140 and Cid supposedly died forty years before in 1099. This epic represents realism, because nothing was exaggerated and the details are very real, even the geography correctly portrays the areas in which Cid traveled and lived. Unlike other European epics, the poem is not idealized and there is no presence of supernatural beings. It has assonance instead of rhyme and its lines vary in length, the most common length being fourteen syllablesFourteener (poetry) A Fourteener, in poetry, is a line consisting of 14 syllables, usually having 7 iambic feet, often used in 16th century Engl... . This type of verse is known as mester de juglaria (verse form of the minstrels). The epic is divided into three parts, also known as cantos. Part I is about Ruy Diaz de Vivar, who is called Cid (meaning my Lord) by the Moors. His current task is to collect the tributes from the Moorish territory owed to his king, Alfonso VI of Leon. Cid's enemy accuses him of taking some of these tributes and the king exiles him from Leon and Castilla. Before he leaves, he places his wife, Doña Jimena, and his two daughters, Doña Elvira and Doña Sol, in the Monastery of Cardeña. The canto then accounts of raids in the Moorish territory in which Cid and his men get rich off of the spoils. Part II begins with Cid's capture of the city of Valencia. He brings his family to live with him. It is discovered that the Infantes (princes) de Carrión, the nephews to the king, are the enemies who caused Cid's exile. They plot to marry his daughters to take some of his wealth. The king acts on behalf of his nephews and pardons Cid and allows the marriages. Cid suspects that something bad will happen from the marriages. Part III shows that the Infantes are cowards in battles with the Moors. They are made fun of and decided to get revenge by attacking their wives. They set out for Carrión with their wives and an escort, Felix Muñoz, the cousin of the daughters. Once on the journey, they send the escort ahead of them, steal their wives' great dowries (including two beautiful swords) and beat them and leave them for dead. Muñoz suspects trouble and returns to his cousins and takes them to receive help. Cid seeks to right the wrongs done to his daughters and a trial is held. A duel is held between some of Cid's men and the Infantes in which the Infantes lose. In the middle of the trial, a message was sent from the kings of Navarra and Aragon, proposing to marry their sons to Cid's daughters. These marriages take place after the defeat of the Infantes. Mester de Juglaría Medieval Spanish poets recognized the Mester de JuglaríaMester de Juglaría Mester de juglara is a Castilian-language literature genre from the 12th and 13th centuries, transmitted orally... as a literary form written by the minstrels (juglares) and composed of varying line length and use of assonance instead of rhyme. These poems were sung to uneducated audiences, nobles and peasants alike. Mester de Clerecía This Castilian narrative poetry known as the Mester de ClerecíaMester de Clerecía Mester de Clereca is a Castilian literature genre that can be understood as an opposition and surpassing of Mester de Juglar... became popular in the thirteenth century. It is the verse form of the learned poets, usually clerics (hence the name 'clerecía'). These poets carefully counted the number of syllables in each line and strived to achieve perfect lines. The line form is the Alexandrine line (14 syllables) with consonantal rhyme in stanzas of four lines each. This form is also known as the cuaderna vía or the fourfold way, and was borrowed from France and was popular until the late fourteenth century. Popular themes of these poets were: Christian legends, lives of saints, and tales from classical antiquity. The poems were cited to villagers in public plazas. Two traits separate this form from the mester de juglaría: didacticism and erudition. Castilian priest and poet Gonzalo de BerceoGonzalo de Berceo Gonzalo de Berceo was a Spanish poet born in the Riojan village of Berceo, close to the major Benedictine monastery of San M... was one of the greatest followers of the mester de clerecía. All of his works were religious and two of the most well-known are Milagros de Nuestra Señora (about the miracles worked by the Virgin Mary) and Vida de Santa Oria. Fourteenth century poet Juan Ruíz, also known as the Arcipreste de Hita, used the cuadernia vía in parts of his famous work Libro de buen amor. He introduced sixteen syllable lines. Spanish Prose Spanish prose gained popularity in the mid-thirteenth century when King Alfonso X el SabioAlfonso X of Castile Alfonso X was a Spanish monarch who ruled as the King of Galicia, Castile and Len from 1252 until his death.... of Castilla gave support and recognition to the writing form. He, with the help of his groups of intellectuals, directed the composition of many prose works including Las siete partidas, the first modern book of laws of the land written in the people's language. Another work was La primera crónica general which accounted for the history of Spain from the creation until the end of Alfonso's father's reign, San Fernando. It is the first national history ever written. For his direction of these works and many others he directed, Alfonso X is called the father of Spanish prose. His nephew, Don Juan ManuelJuan Manuel, Duke of Penafiel Summary Don Juan Manuel, Infante of Castile, was the son of Infante Don Juan Manuel and his second wife Beatrice of Savoy, and grand... is famous for his prose work El Conde Lucanor which is a frame story or short stories within an overall story. In this work, the Conde Lucanor seeks advice from his wise counselor, Patronio, who gives the advice through the telling of stories. Juan Manuel also wrote lesser-known works such as El libro de los estados on the social classes and El libro del caballero y escudero on philosophical discussions. Toward the end of the Middle Ages, writer Fernando del Pulgar (1436-1490?) created a new type of prose named the verbal portrait. This form is demonstrated by Pulgar's work Claros varones de Castilla in which he represents the detailed lives of twenty-four distinguished contemporaries. He explores their moral and psychological natures as well as physical traits. Pulgar was the official historian of the monarchs Fernando and Isabel, the famous Catholic MonarchsCatholic Monarchs The Catholic Monarchs is the collective title used in history for Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Arago... of Spain. This position gave him close encounters with the characters in this book, making the work realistic and detailed. Lyric Poetry of the Middle Ages Lyric poetry in the Middle Ages can be divided into three groups: the jarchas, the popular poems originating from folk-songs sung by commoners, and the courtly poetry of the nobles. Alfonso X el SabioAlfonso X of Castile Alfonso X was a Spanish monarch who ruled as the King of Galicia, Castile and Len from 1252 until his death.... fits into the third group with his series of three hundred poems, written in Galician: Las cantigas de Santa María. Another poet, Juan Ruíz, or the Arcipreste de Hita is an outstanding lyricist of the fourteenth century. His only work, Libro de buen amor is a framework tale in which he includes translations from Ovid, satires, little poems called serranillas, twenty-nine fables, a sermon on Christian armor, and many lyric poems that praise the Virgin Mary. Poet Íñigo López de Mendoza, the Marqués de Santillana (1398-1458) begins to show the movement away from the traditions of the Middle Ages. He shows a knowledge of Latin authors and familiarity with the works of DanteDante Alighieri Durante degli Alighieri, better known as Dante Alighieri or simply Dante, was an Italian Florentine poet.... and PetrarchPetrarch Francesco Petrarca or Petrarch was an Italian scholar, poet, and early humanist.... . Mendoza was also the first to introduce the sonnet into Spanish literature. The last great poet of the Middle Ages is Jorge ManriqueJorge Manrique Jorge Manrique was a Spanish poet who actively participated in the conflicts of the... . He is famous for his work which laments the death of his father, Coplas que hizo por la muerte de su padre. In this piece, Manrique shows classical feelings by expressing himself in a universal manner (all things come to an end). He is still considered a poet of the Middle Ages in that he finds peace and finality in religion. Renaissance During the 15th century the pre-Renaissance occurs. The literary production increased exponentially. Some outstanding poets of this century are Juan de MenaJuan de Mena Juan de Mena was a Spanish poet from Crdoba.... and Íñigo López de Mendoza (Marquess of Santillana). The Spanish literature of the Middle Ages concludes with the work La CelestinaLa Celestina The Celestina is a book published anonymously by Fernando de Rojas in 1499.... by Fernando de RojasFernando de Rojas Fernando de Rojas was a Castilian author who probably went to the University of Salamanca.... . In the Renaissance important topics are: the Renaissance poetry, with Garcilaso de la VegaGarcilaso de la Vega For the Peruvian writer, Garcilaso de la Vega, see Inca Garcilaso de la Vega... and Juan Boscán; the religious literature, with Fray Luis de León, San Juan de la Cruz, and Santa Teresa de Jesús; and the Renaissance prosa, with the anonymous El Lazarillo de TormesLazarillo de Tormes *The Life of Lazarillo de Tormes and of His Fortunes and Adversities* is a Spanish novella, published anonymously, 1554, i... . The principal features of the Renaissance were the revival of learning based on classical sources, the rise of courtly patronage, the development of perspective in painting, and the advancements of science. The most important characteristics of the Renaissance are: The language in this age is dominated by the naturality and simplicity, which avoids the affectation, the amaneramiento and the over-searched phrase. Thus the vocabulary and the syntax will be simple. The preferred themes are, fundamentally, love, conceived from the platonic point of view; nature, as somewhat idyllic (bucolic); pagan mythology, from which the histories of gods and the female beauty are reflected, following always the same classical ideal. In relation to these themes mentioned, various Renaissance points exist, some of them taken from the classical world: The Carpe Diem, whose translation would be "catch the day" or "take advantage of the moment". It advises the enjoyment of the life before the arrival of old age. The female beauty, described always following the same plan: blond youth, of serene, clear eyes, of white skin, red lips, rosy cheeks, etc. The Beatus Ille or praise of the life in the field, apart from the material things, as opposed to the life in the city, with its dangers and intrigues. The Locus Emoenus or description of a perfect and idyllic nature. Baroque In the Baroque of the 17th century important topics are: the prose of Francisco de QuevedoFrancisco de Quevedo Francisco Gmez de Quevedo y Villegas was a Spanish writer during the .... and Baltasar GraciánBaltasar Gracián Baltasar Graci?n y Morales was a Spanish Baroque prose writer.... ; also the theater is remarkable, as well as the poetry with Luis de GóngoraLuis de Góngora Luis de Gngora y Argote was a Spanish lyric poet.... (who is a CulteranistCulteranismo Culteranismo is a stylistic movement of the Baroque period of Spanish history that is also commonly referred to as ... ) and Francisco de QuevedoFrancisco de Quevedo Francisco Gmez de Quevedo y Villegas was a Spanish writer during the .... (who is a ConceptistConceptismo *Conceptismo* is a literary movement of the Baroque period of Spanish literature.... ). In the works of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra remarkable novels are: La GalateaLa Galatea *La Galatea* was Miguel de Cervantes first book, published in 1585.... , and Don Quixote de la Mancha. The Baroque style used exaggerated motion and clear, easily interpreted detail to produce drama, tension, exuberance, and grandeur in sculpture, painting, literature, dance, and music. The Baroque is characterized by the following points: Pessimism: The Renaissance did not obtain its purpose of imposing the harmony and the perfection in the world, just as the humanists intended, neither had done the man happier; the wars and the social inequalities continued to be present; the pain and the calamities were common in the whole Europe. An intellectual pessimism got installed, which accentuated as time passed; this shows united to the unangry character that the comedies of that epoch give testimony and the rascality in which the picaresque novels are based. Disillusion: As the Renaissance ideals failed and in the case of Spain, the political power was being dispelled, the disillusion continues and arises in the literature, that in many cases recalls that of two centuries before, with the Dance of the Death or the Manrique's Couplets to the death of its father. Quevedo says that life is formed by "successions of deceased" : in them get converted the born, since the diapers to the mortise with the weak bodies are covered. In conclusion, nothing has importance, only one must obtain the eternal salvation. Worry about the passing of time. Loss of confidence in the Renaissance ideals. Enlightenment In the Enlightenment of the 18th century, with the arrival of "the lights" to Spain, important topics are: the prose of Fray Benito Jerónimo FeijooBenito Jerónimo Feijóo e Montenegro Benito Jer?nimo Feij?o y Montenegro was a Spanish neoclassical monk and scholar noted for encouraging scientific thought in ... , Gaspar Melchor de JovellanosGaspar Melchor de Jovellanos Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos, Spanish statesman and author, was born at Gijón in Asturias, Spain.... , and José CadalsoJosé Cadalso Jos? de Cadalso y V?zquez , Spanish, Colonel of the Royal Spanish Army, author, poet, playwright and essayist, one of the c... ; the lyric of the Salmantine school (with Juan Meléndez ValdésJuan Meléndez Valdés Overview Juan Mel?ndez Vald?s was a Spanish neoclassical poet.... ), the lyric of the Madrilenian group (with the story-tellers Tomás de Iriarte and Félix María SamaniegoFelix Maria de Samaniego Felix Maria de Samaniego was a Spanish fabulist, educated at Valladolid.... ), and the lyric of the Sevillian school; and also the theater, with Leandro Fernández de MoratínLeandro Fernández de Moratín Leandro Fern?ndez de Morat?n was a Spanish dramatist, translator and neoclassical poet.... and Ramón de la CruzRamón de la Cruz Ram?n de la Cruz , Spanish neoclassical dramatist, was born at Madrid.... . Enlightenment thinkers sought to apply systematic thinking to all forms of human activity, carrying it into to the ethical and governmental spheres in exploration of the individual, society and the state. Three phases in the Spanish literature of the 18th century are distinguished: Anti-Baroquism (approximately until 1750): It fights against the style of the last Baroque, which is considered excessively rhetorical and twisted. The recreational literature is not cultivated, but they are more interested in the essay and the satire, utilizing the language with simplicity and purity. Neoclassicism (until the end of the 18th century): It is strongly influenced by the French and Italian classicism. The writers also imitate the old classics (Greek and Roman); its boom extended since the reign of Fernando VI until the end of the century. Pre-Romanticism (final of the 18th and beginning of the 19th century): The influence of the English philosopher John Locke, together to that of the French Étienne Bonnot of Condillac, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Denis Diderot, will cause a new feeling, dissatisfied with the tyranny of the reason, that emphasizes the right of the individuals to express their personal emotions (repressed then by the neoclassicals), among which them figures fundamentally the love. This current announces the decadence of the Neoclassicism and opens the doors to the Romanticism. Romanticism In the Romanticism (principle of the 19th century) important topics are: the poetry of José de EsproncedaJosé de Espronceda Jos Ignacio Javier Oriol Encarnacion de Espronceda y Delgado was among the most important Spanish poets of the 19th centur... and other poets; the prose, that can have several forms (the historical novel, the scientific prose, the description of regional customs, the journalism —where Mariano José de LarraMariano José de Larra Mariano Jos? de Larra was a Spanish romanticist writer noted for satire and perhaps the best prose writer of 19th-century S... can be mentioned—); the theater, with Ángel de Saavedra (Duke of Rivas), José Zorrilla, and other authors. In the latter romanticism (post-romanticism) some appear:Gustavo Adolfo BécquerGustavo Adolfo Bécquer Gustavo Adolfo Domnguez Bastida, better known as Bcquer, was a Spanish writer of poetry and short stories, now conside... and Rosalía de CastroRosalía de Castro Rosala Castro de Murgua better known as Rosala de Castro was a Galician writer and poet.... . Some anti-romantic poets are Ramón de Campoamor and Gaspar Núñez de ArceGaspar Núñez de Arce Gaspar N??ez de Arce was a Spanish poet, dramatist and statesman.... . In part a revolt against aristocratic, social, and political norms of the Enlightenment period and a reaction against the rationalization of nature, in art and literature Romanticism stressed strong emotion as a source of aesthetic experience, placing new emphasis on such emotions as trepidation, horror, and the awe experienced in confronting the sublimity of nature. It elevated folk art, nature and custom. The characteristics of the works of the Romanticism are: Refusal of Neoclassicism. Contrary to the scrupulous severity and order with which the rules were observed in the 18th century, the romanticist writers combine the genres and verses of different measures, at times mixing the verse and the prose; in theater, the rule of the three units (place, space and time) is despised and they alternate the comedy with the drama. Subjectivism. No matter which be the kind of the work, the exalted soul of the author pours in it all their feelings of dissatisfaction against a world that limits and breaks the flight of his desire about the love, the society, the patriotism, etc. They do so that the nature fuses with their state of spirit and it shows melancholic, tetric, mysterious, dark... as opposed to the neoclassicals, that barely showed interest about the landscape. The longings for passionate love, desire of happiness, and possession of the infinite, cause a discomfort in the romanticist, an immense deception that from time to time carries them to the suicide, as is the case of Mariano José of Larra. Attraction by the nocturnal and mysterious. The romantics situate their aching and defrauded feelings in mysterious or melancholic places, like ruins, forests, cemeteries... In the same way that feel attraction toward the supernatural, that which escapes from any logic, like the miracles, apparitions, visions of ultratumba, the diabolic and the witch-like... Escape from the world that surrounds them. The refusal of the bourgeois society in which they are forced to live, makes the romanticist be evaded from their circumstances, imagining passed epochs in which their ideals prevailed over the others, or being inspired in the exotic. Against the neoclassicals, who admired the Greco-Latin antiquity, the romanticists prefer the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. As more frequent kinds of works, they cultivate the novel, the legend and the historic drama. Various are the themes of the romanticist works: Oneself. In Espronceda's Song to Teresa, a heartwrenching confession of love and disillusion, who has managed to poeticize his feelings with most success. Passionate love, with sudden, total deliveries, and quick abandonments. The exaltation and the distaste. They are inspired in legendary and historic themes. Religion, although it is often in defiance with the consequent compassion and even exaltation of the devil. Social demands (revaluation of the marginal types, like the beggar). Nature, shown in all its modalities and variations. Usually set in mysterious places, like cemeteries, storms, the rough sea, etc. Satire, connected with political or literary events. Realism In Realism (final of the 19th century), which is mixed with Naturalism, important topics are: the novel, with Juan Valera, José María de PeredaJosé María de Pereda Jos? Mar?a de Pereda was one of the most distinguished of modern Spanish novelists.... , Benito Pérez GaldósBenito Pérez Galdós Benito Prez Galds was a Spanish novelist.... , Emilia Pardo BazánEmilia Pardo Bazan Emilia Pardo Bazan Spanish author, was born at La Corunna Spain.... , Luis Coloma, Leopoldo Alas (Clarín), Armando Palacio ValdésArmando Palacio Valdés Armando Palacio Vald?s , Spanish novelist and critic, was born at Entralgo in the province of Asturias on the 4th of October ... , and Vicente Blasco IbáñezVicente Blasco Ibáñez Vicente Blasco Ib??ez was a Spanish realist novelist writing in Spanish, a screenwriter and occasional film director.... ; the poetry, with Ramón de Campoamor, Gaspar Núñez de ArceGaspar Núñez de Arce Gaspar N??ez de Arce was a Spanish poet, dramatist and statesman.... , and other poets; the theater, with José EchegarayJosé Echegaray Jos Echegaray y Eizaguirre. Born in Madrid, he was a Spanish civil engineer, mathematician, statesman, and the leading Spani... , Manuel Tamayo y Baus, and other dramatists; and the literary critics, emphasizing Menéndez Pelayo. Realism offered depictions of contemporary life and society 'as they were'. In the spirit of general "Realism," Realist authors opted for depictions of everyday and banal activities and experiences, instead of a romanticized or similarly stylized presentation. The realistic works of this period are characterized by: Objective vision of the reality through the direct observation of customs or psychological characters. They eliminate any subjective aspect, fantastic events, and every feeling that moves away of the reality: "The novel is the image of the life" (Galdós), "an artistic copy of the reality" (Clarín). Defense of a thesis: the narrators write their works focusing the reality from their moral conception. They are the so-called omniscient narrators. The defense of a thesis usually compromises the objectivity of the novel. Themes that are familiar to the reader: marital conflicts, infidelity, defense of the ideals, etc. The popular and colloquial language acquires great importance since it situates the characters in their real environment. Modernist literature In the Modernism several currents appear: ParnasianismParnassian poets The Parnassians were a group of 19th-century French poets, so called from their journal, the Parnasse contemporain, itse... , SymbolismSymbolism (arts) Symbolism was a late nineteenth century art movement of French and Belgian origin in poetry and other arts.... , Futurism, and Creationism; the literary Modernism in Spain was influenced by the "disaster of the 98", the Regeneracionism, and the Free Institution of Education (founded by Giner de los RíosFrancisco Giner de los Ríos Francisco Giner de los R?os was a philosopher, educator and one of the most influential Spanish intellectuals at the end of... ). Modernism is rooted in the idea that the "traditional" forms of art, literature, religious faith, social organization and daily life had become outdated; therefore it was essential to sweep them aside. Some important authors of the Modernism are Salvador Rueda, Miguel de UnamunoMiguel de Unamuno Miguel de Unamuno y Jugo was an essayist, novelist, poet, playwright and philosopher from Spain.... and Rubén DaríoRubén Darío Flix Rubn Garca Sarmiento was a Nicaraguan poet who wrote under the pseudonym of Rubn Daro.... . 20th century literature The destruction of Spain's naval armada in Cuba by U.S. gunboats in 1898 provoked a general cultural crisis in Spain. The "Disaster" of 1898 led established writers to seek practical political, economic, and social solutions in essays grouped under the literary heading of "Regeneracionismo." For a group of younger writers, among them Miguel de Unamuno, Pío Baroja, and José Martínez Ruíz (Azorín), the Disaster and its cultural repercussions inspired a deeper, more radical literary shift affecting both form and content. These writers, along with Ramón de Valle-Inclán, Antonio Machado, Ramiro Maeztu, and Ángel Ganivet, came to be know as the 'Generation of the 98.' The label from its outset was controversial and even Azorín, the source of its origin, came to reject it. Nevertheless, it stuck as a way to describe a group of writers who turned in content from the more general exploration of universal middle class values characteristic of Nineteenth Century Realism to an obsession with questions of a more particularly national nature. Their articles, essays, poems, and novels exploring Spanish history and geography carried existential overtones. The resurrection of a fallen Spanish nation was inseparable from the individual Spaniard´s discovery of personal meaning. Spain´s steady three-hundred year decline from Golden Age greatness was inseparable from the Spanish citizen´s inertia and indifference towards life. Renewal would be found as Spanish citizens rediscovered the adventurous, idealistic spirit of Don Quijote, trapsing, like the heroes of Pío Baroja and Azorín´s novels, out into the Spanish countryside to encounter the deep, hidden history of the Spanish "pueblo." This intellectually and politically restless generation of writers produced an equally restless shift in Spanish literary form. While not radically experimental, their sober, paired-down style, their exploration of alternating narrative voices and points of view, and their challenge of traditional genre divisions paved the way for a rising generation of avant-garde writers. Indeed, Unamuno´s play with narrative authority in his 1907 novel, Niebla, in which the protagonist finds himself face-to-face with his author, a Salamanca don named Miguel de Unamuno, actually predates many of its more famous uses, and with its prologues and epilogues, actually goes much further than many later experiments in blurring ontological frontiers. After the Generation of 1898 came Novecentism; Generation of 1927; and Literature subsequent to the Civil War (1936-1939), that can be during the pro-Franco dictatorship (1939-1975) or subsequent to it. The authors in liric, novel, and theater abound. Postmodernity refers to a movement of ideas contrary to those of modernism. Some important authors in the Generation of '98Generation of '98 The Generation of '98 was a group of novelists, poets, essayists, and philosophers active in Spain at the time of the Span... are Ángel GanivetFacts About Ángel Ganivet ?ngel Ganivet Garc?a , Spanish writer and diplomat.... , Miguel de UnamunoMiguel de Unamuno Miguel de Unamuno y Jugo was an essayist, novelist, poet, playwright and philosopher from Spain.... , Antonio MachadoAntonio Machado Antonio Machado y Ruiz was a Spanish poet and one of the leading figures of the Spanish literary movement known as the Gener... , Ramón del Valle-InclánRamón del Valle-Inclán Ramn Mara del Valle-Incln, Spanish dramatist, novelist and member of the Generation of 98, is considered perhaps the most no... , AzorínAzorín #REDIRECT Jos? Mart?nez Ruiz ... , Pío BarojaPío Baroja P?o Baroja y Nessi was a Spanish writer, one of the key novelists of the Generation of '98.... , Ramiro de MaeztuRamiro de Maeztu Ramiro de Maeztu y Whitney was a Spanish political theorist, journalist, literary critic and member of the Generation of '9... , Ramón Pérez de AyalaRamón Pérez de Ayala Ram?n P?rez de Ayala was a Spanish writer. ... ; and some in the Generation of '27Generation of '27 The Generation of '27 was an influential group of poets that arose in Spanish literary circles between 1923 and 1927, essent... are Rafael AlbertiRafael Alberti Rafael Alberti was a Spanish poet, a member of the Generation of '27.... , Vicente AleixandreVicente Aleixandre Vicente Po Marcelino Cirilo Aleixandre y Merlo Spanish poet, born in Sevilla.... , Dámaso AlonsoDámaso Alonso D?maso Alonso y Fern?ndez de las Redondas was a Spanish poet, philologist and literary critic.... , Manuel AltolaguirreManuel Altolaguirre Summary Manuel Altolaguirre was a Spanish poet, an editor, publisher, and printer of poetry, and a member of the Generation of '27.... , Luis CernudaLuis Cernuda Luis Cernuda, was a Spanish poet and literary critic.... , Gerardo DiegoGerardo Diego Gerardo Diego was a Spanish poet and member of the Generation of '27.... , Federico García LorcaFederico García Lorca Federico Garca Lorca was a Spanish poet and dramatist, also remembered as a painter, pianist, and composer.... , Jorge GuillénJorge Guillén Jorge Guill?n y ?lvarez was a Spanish poet, a member of the Generation of '27.... , Emilio PradosEmilio Prados Emilio Prados was a Spanish poet and editor, a member of the Generation of '27. ... , Pedro SalinasPedro Salinas Pedro Salinas y Serrano was a Spanish poet and member of the Generation of '27.... , Agustín Díaz PachecoAgustín Díaz Pacheco Agust?n D?az Pacheco. Spanish writer born in Tenerife in 1952.... . Sketch Baroque Picaresque novelPicaresque novel The picaresque novel is a popular subgenre of prose fiction which is usually satirical and depicts in realistic and often h... (Lazarillo de TormesLazarillo de Tormes *The Life of Lazarillo de Tormes and of His Fortunes and Adversities* is a Spanish novella, published anonymously, 1554, i... ) Alonso de Ercilla (La AraucanaLa Araucana *La Araucana* is an epic poem in Spanish about the Spanish conquest of Chile, by Alonso de Ercilla; it is also known in En... ) Miguel de CervantesMiguel de Cervantes Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra , was a Spanish novelist, poet and playwright.... (Don QuixoteDon Quixote or is a novel by the Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra.... ) The classical Spanish theater Gil VicenteFacts About Gil Vicente Gil Vicente was a Portuguese playwright and poet working in both the Portuguese and Spanish languages, as well as an actor ... Lope de VegaLope de Vega Overview Lope de Vega was a Spanish playwright and poet.... Pedro Calderon de la BarcaPedro Calderón de la Barca Pedro Caldern de la Barca, was an important dramatist of the Spanish Golden Age.... Tirso de MolinaTirso de Molina Summary Tirso de Molina was a Spanish dramatist and poet.... Luis de GóngoraLuis de Góngora Luis de Gngora y Argote was a Spanish lyric poet.... Francisco de QuevedoFrancisco de Quevedo Francisco Gmez de Quevedo y Villegas was a Spanish writer during the .... The 18th century Benito Jeronimo Feijoo Jose CadalsoJosé Cadalso Jos? de Cadalso y V?zquez , Spanish, Colonel of the Royal Spanish Army, author, poet, playwright and essayist, one of the c... (Cartas marruecas) Juan Meléndez ValdésJuan Meléndez Valdés Overview Juan Mel?ndez Vald?s was a Spanish neoclassical poet.... Félix María de SamaniegoFelix Maria de Samaniego Felix Maria de Samaniego was a Spanish fabulist, educated at Valladolid.... Leandro Fernández de MoratínLeandro Fernández de Moratín Leandro Fern?ndez de Morat?n was a Spanish dramatist, translator and neoclassical poet.... (El sí de las niñas) The 19th century RomanticistsSpanish Romance literature Summary Romanticism is a revolutionary movement affecting all aspects in life, which in the arts breaks from the traditions of Neocl... Duque de RivasÁngel de Saavedra, Duke of Rivas Summary Don ?ngel de Saavedra y Ram?rez de Baquedano, Duke of Rivas , was a Spanish poet, dramatist and politician born in C?rdoba.... Mariano José de LarraMariano José de Larra Mariano Jos? de Larra was a Spanish romanticist writer noted for satire and perhaps the best prose writer of 19th-century S... Ramón de Mesonero RomanosRamón de Mesonero Romanos Ram?n de Mesonero Romanos , Spanish prose-writer, was born at Madrid.... Gustavo Adolfo BécquerGustavo Adolfo Bécquer Overview Gustavo Adolfo Domnguez Bastida, better known as Bcquer, was a Spanish writer of poetry and short stories, now conside... (Rhymes, Legends) José de EsproncedaJosé de Espronceda Jos Ignacio Javier Oriol Encarnacion de Espronceda y Delgado was among the most important Spanish poets of the 19th centur... (El estudiante de SalamancaEl estudiante de Salamanca *The Student of Salamanca* is a work by Spanish Romantic poet Jos de Espronceda.... , La canción del pirata) José Zorrilla (Don Juan TenorioDon Juan Tenorio *Don Juan Tenorio: Drama religioso-fantástico en dos partes, is a play published in 1844 by Jos Zorrilla.... ) RealistsSpanish Realist literature Spanish Realist literature* is the literature written in Spain during the second half of the 19th century, following the Real... Benito Pérez GaldósBenito Pérez Galdós Benito Prez Galds was a Spanish novelist.... (Fortunata y JacintaFacts About Fortunata y Jacinta *Fortunata y Jacinta* , was written by Benito P?rez Gald?s in 1887.... , La de Bringas, Misericordia) Leopoldo Alas, ClarínLeopoldo Alas y Ureña Leopoldo Alas y Ure?a , also known as Clar?n was a Spanish realist novelist born in Zamora.... (La RegentaLa regenta *La Regenta* is a realist novel by Spanish author Leopoldo Alas y Ureña, also known as "Clarín." ... , Su Único Hijo) Juan Valera (Pepita Jiménez, Juanita la Larga) Emilia Pardo BazánEmilia Pardo Bazan Emilia Pardo Bazan Spanish author, was born at La Corunna Spain.... (Los pazos de Ulloa) José María de PeredaJosé María de Pereda Jos? Mar?a de Pereda was one of the most distinguished of modern Spanish novelists.... (Peñas arriba) Fernán CaballeroFernán Caballero Fern?n Caballero was the pseudonym adopted from the name of a village in the province of Ciudad Real by the Spanish novelis... The 20th century Generation of '98Generation of '98 The Generation of '98 was a group of novelists, poets, essayists, and philosophers active in Spain at the time of the Span... Miguel de UnamunoMiguel de Unamuno Miguel de Unamuno y Jugo was an essayist, novelist, poet, playwright and philosopher from Spain.... (La tía Tula, San Manuel Bueno mártir, Niebla) Antonio MachadoAntonio Machado Antonio Machado y Ruiz was a Spanish poet and one of the leading figures of the Spanish literary movement known as the Gener... Ramón del Valle-InclánRamón del Valle-Inclán Summary Ramn Mara del Valle-Incln, Spanish dramatist, novelist and member of the Generation of 98, is considered perhaps the most no... (Luces de Bohemia) AzorínAzorín #REDIRECT Jos? Mart?nez Ruiz ... Pío BarojaPío Baroja Overview P?o Baroja y Nessi was a Spanish writer, one of the key novelists of the Generation of '98.... (Zalacaín el Aventurero, Las aventuras de Shanti Andia, El árbol de la vida) Ramón Pérez de AyalaRamón Pérez de Ayala Ram?n P?rez de Ayala was a Spanish writer. ... Generation of '27Generation of '27 The Generation of '27 was an influential group of poets that arose in Spanish literary circles between 1923 and 1927, essent... Rafael AlbertiRafael Alberti Summary Rafael Alberti was a Spanish poet, a member of the Generation of '27.... Vicente AleixandreVicente Aleixandre Vicente Po Marcelino Cirilo Aleixandre y Merlo Spanish poet, born in Sevilla.... Dámaso AlonsoDámaso Alonso D?maso Alonso y Fern?ndez de las Redondas was a Spanish poet, philologist and literary critic.... Manuel AltolaguirreManuel Altolaguirre Manuel Altolaguirre was a Spanish poet, an editor, publisher, and printer of poetry, and a member of the Generation of '27.... Luis CernudaLuis Cernuda Luis Cernuda, was a Spanish poet and literary critic.... Gerardo DiegoGerardo Diego Gerardo Diego was a Spanish poet and member of the Generation of '27.... Federico García LorcaFederico García Lorca Federico Garca Lorca was a Spanish poet and dramatist, also remembered as a painter, pianist, and composer.... (Mariana PinedaMariana Pineda *Mariana Pineda* is a play by the Spanish playwright Federico García Lorca based on the life of Mariana de Pineda.... , Bodas de sangreBodas de sangre *Bodas de Sangre* is a play by the Spanish playwright Federico García Lorca.... , La casa de Bernarda AlbaLa casa de Bernarda Alba *La casa de Bernarda Alba* is a play by the Spanish playwright Federico García Lorca.... ) Jorge GuillénJorge Guillén Jorge Guill?n y ?lvarez was a Spanish poet, a member of the Generation of '27.... Emilio PradosEmilio Prados Emilio Prados was a Spanish poet and editor, a member of the Generation of '27. ... Pedro SalinasPedro Salinas Pedro Salinas y Serrano was a Spanish poet and member of the Generation of '27.... Agustín Díaz PachecoAgustín Díaz Pacheco Agust?n D?az Pacheco. Spanish writer born in Tenerife in 1952.... See also Latin American literatureLatin American literature Latin American literature refers to the literature of Latin America.... List of Spanish language authorsList of Spanish language authors This is a list of Spanish language authors, organised by country. ... List of Spanish language poets Catalan literatureCatalan literature Catalan literature is the name conventionally used to refer to literature written in the Catalan language.... List of Asturian language authorsList of Asturian language authors It is supposed that oral literature in Asturian language is older, but the first writer known is Antón de Marirreguera in XVII cen... The Premio Cervantes prize is awarded to honour the career of a writer in the Spanish language, regardless of nationality. External links Online Spanish literature texts. Latin American Poetry.