History of Spanish literature

The history of Spanish literature is one of the oldest and richest in Europe. Over the centuries, it has reflected social, political, and cultural changes, leaving its mark on the entire Spanish-speaking world. From the first written works in the Middle Ages to contemporary authors, the history of Spanish literature is full of unforgettable works and authors who have built a universal legacy.

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The Middle Ages: the first steps

Spanish literature began to take shape in the Middle Ages, between the 11th and 15th centuries, as texts had previously been transamitted orally. Although earlier texts existed in Latin, the birth of literature in this Romance language came with the “Cantar de mío Cid”, an anonymous epic poem written around the 12th century. This work, or cantar de gesta, recounts the exploits of the knight Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar and stands out for its sober and realistic style, unlike the fantastical tone of other European epics.

The Middle Ages also saw the flourishing of jarchas (short poems in Mozarabic) and religious and didactic texts such as those by the Archpriest of Hita, author of the Libro de buen amor, a fundamental work due to its mixture of genres and its festive and provocative tone.

Another key name in the Middle Ages was Don Juan Manuel, who wrote El conde Lucanor. This text is a collection of moralizing tales that reveal the author's early awareness.

Renaissance: the flowering of humanism

With the arrival of the Renaissance in the 16th century, Spain experienced a cultural boom that was reflected in its literature. During this period, human beings, beauty, and nature were exalted, influenced by classical thought.

One of the great names of this period is Garcilaso de la Vega, a poet who introduced Italian forms into Spanish poetry, such as the sonnet, and renewed poetic language with an elegant and harmonious tone.

In prose, Fray Luis de León stands out with his mystical prose and essays, and in theater, Juan de la Cueva and Lope de Rueda, precursors of Baroque theater. This period laid the foundations for what was to come during the Golden Age.

The Golden Age: literary splendor

Let’s continue with the Golden Age, which spans from the end of the 16th century to the 17th century. This was one of the most brilliant moments in Spanish literature. Here we find some of the greatest and most renowned authors in the history of Spanish literature.

The most universal is undoubtedly Miguel de Cervantes, author of “Don Quixote”, considered the first modern novel and one of the most important works of world literature. With a mixture of humor, social criticism, and philosophical depth, Cervantes presents us with an unforgettable portrait of the human condition.

In poetry, Luis de Góngora shines with his culteranista style, full of metaphors and formal complexity, and Francisco de Quevedo, representative of conceptism, with his sharp and satirical poetry.

In theater, the great name is Lope de Vega, who renewed the rules of drama and wrote more than 1,500 plays. His most prominent rival was Calderón de la Barca, author of “La vida es sueño”, a philosophical piece on free will and illusion.

Illustration and Neoclassicism: reason and order

The 18th century brought with it Illustration, a movement that valued reason and education above all else. Spanish literature became more rational and didactic, moving away from Baroque excess.

Notable authors include Benito Jerónimo Feijoo, an essayist who promoted critical thinking, and Leandro Fernández de Moratín, a playwright whose works include “El sí de las niñas”, which criticizes arranged marriages.

Romanticism and Realism: emotions and truth

In the 19th century, Spanish literature experienced two major trends: Romanticism, which gave prominence to emotions, and Realism, which focused on faithfully representing social reality.

Among the Romantics, Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer stands out with his “Rimas y leyendas”, a short but influential work due to its lyricism and melancholic tone. José de Espronceda, author of “El estudiante de Salamanca” and “El diablo mundo”, also stood out for his rebelliousness and expressive power.

Realism brought authors such as Benito Pérez Galdós, who masterfully portrayed Madrid society in novels such as “Fortunata y Jacinta” and “Episodios nacionales”. Alongside him, Leopoldo Alas “Clarín” wrote “La Regenta”, one of the best novels of the 19th century.

The Generation of '98 and '27: crisis and innovation

After the loss of the last colonies in 1898, a generation of writers emerged marked by a crisis of national identity. The Generation of '98 reflected on Spain from a critical and existential perspective with authors such as Miguel de Unamuno, Pío Baroja, Azorín, and Antonio Machado.

Shortly afterwards, in the 1920s and 1930s, the Generation of '27 emerged, with figures such as Federico García Lorca, Rafael Alberti, Luis Cernuda, and Pedro Salinas. These authors combined tradition and avant-garde, taking poetry to new aesthetic heights.

One of the most renowned authors in the history of Spanish literature is Federico García Lorca. Remembered as much for his poetry as for his theater, Lorca portrayed pain, injustice, and beauty in his works. His best-known titles are “Bodas de sangre” and “La casa de Bernarda Alba”.

Exile and post-war literature

After the Spanish Civil War, many writers went into exile or suffered censorship under Franco. Among the exiles were Max Aub, Ramón J. Sender, and María Zambrano. Within Spain, literature became more introspective and symbolic, as in the work of Camilo José Cela, author of “La Colmena”, and Carmen Laforet with “Nada”.

Democracy and contemporary literature to the present day

With the transition to democracy in the 1970s, Spanish literature experienced a period of openness and diversification. Female voices such as Rosa Montero, Soledad Puértolas, Ana María Matute, and Almudena Grandes emerged, bringing new perspectives on history and society.

Novelists such as Javier Marías, Arturo Pérez-Reverte, and Antonio Muñoz Molina also emerged, whose works have achieved great international renown. Contemporary narrative is characterized by its variety of styles and themes, from historical novels to urban realism and autofiction.

The history of Spanish literature is a mirror of the country's evolution, its struggles, hopes, and dreams. From the cantares de gesta to contemporary novels, through the Golden Age and the Generation of '98, each era has contributed unique voices that have enriched the language and thought.

With a living and constantly changing tradition, the history of Spanish literature remains an inexhaustible source of discovery and excitement. If you want to learn more about the history of Spanish literature and improve your command of the language so you can read these titles in their original version, don't hesitate to sign up for an intensive Spanish course. don Quijote helps you reach your desired level while you venture out to learn Spanish in Spain. Visit our website and start your journey!