Spanish literature

Miguel_de_Cervantes_(1605)_El_ingenioso_hidalgo_Don_Quixote_de_la_Mancha

Cantar_de_mio_Cid_f._1r_(rep)

Celestina

Jorge_Manrique_portrait

Fernando-de-Rojas

Fray_Bartolomé_de_las_Casas

Attributed_to_el_Greco_-_Portrait_of_Juan_de_Ávila_-_Google_Art_Project

Spanish literature refers to the body of literary works produced in Spain throughout its history. It encompasses a wide range of genres, styles, and themes, reflecting the diverse cultural and historical influences that have shaped the country.

Historical Overview

Medieval Period

The origins of Spanish literature can be traced back to the medieval period, with notable works such as the epic poem El Cantar de Mio Cid. This period also saw the development of Mester de Clerecía and Mester de Juglaría, two distinct poetic traditions.

Renaissance and Golden Age

The Spanish Renaissance brought a flourishing of literature, with influential writers like Garcilaso de la Vega and Fray Luis de León. The Spanish Golden Age (Siglo de Oro) is particularly renowned for its contributions to world literature, including the works of Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, and playwrights like Lope de Vega and Pedro Calderón de la Barca.

Enlightenment and Romanticism

The Spanish Enlightenment saw a shift towards more rational and scientific approaches in literature, with figures like Benito Jerónimo Feijoo and Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos. The Romantic period followed, characterized by a focus on emotion and individualism, with writers such as Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer and José de Espronceda.

Modernism and Generation of '98

The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed the rise of Modernismo, a literary movement led by Rubén Darío. The Generation of '98 was a group of writers who responded to the moral, political, and social crisis in Spain following the Spanish-American War, including Miguel de Unamuno, Antonio Machado, and Pío Baroja.

20th Century and Contemporary Literature

The 20th century saw the emergence of the Generation of '27, a group of avant-garde poets including Federico García Lorca and Rafael Alberti. Post-Civil War literature was marked by themes of exile and repression, with notable authors like Camilo José Cela and Carmen Laforet. Contemporary Spanish literature continues to evolve, with writers such as Javier Marías and Arturo Pérez-Reverte gaining international recognition.

Genres and Themes

Spanish literature encompasses a variety of genres, including poetry, prose, and drama. Common themes include honor, love, religion, and identity, often reflecting the social and political context of the time.

Notable Works and Authors

• Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
• La Celestina by Fernando de Rojas
• Fuenteovejuna by Lope de Vega
• La vida es sueño by Pedro Calderón de la Barca
• Platero y yo by Juan Ramón Jiménez

Related Pages

• Spanish Golden Age
• Miguel de Cervantes
• Don Quixote
• Generation of '98
• Generation of '27
• Spanish Civil War

See Also

• Spanish poetry
• Spanish drama
• Spanish novel
• List of Spanish writers