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Spanish Literature

By Laura Ellis

Literature is an important part of any culture and none more so than Spain. Well known around the world for ancient classics such as ‘Lazarillo de Tormes’ and ‘Don Quixote de la Mancha’ as well as more modern day works from writers such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez and his monumental ‘Cien años de soledad’, it is clear to see that Hispanic writers and their work rivals the English speaking world in importance.

Primarily one can note the growth of Spanish literature after the 15th century when written prose became much more popular. Before this time, lyrical poems had been fashionable for the upper classes and thus the renaissance era led to a significant change in the work that Spaniards produced, not only content, but also in volume due to developments within the printing press, allowing mass production and a writer audience to those writing at the time.

Upon considering the Renaissance period of literature, it is first important to note the recurrent themes. The use of simple and clear language categorises this era primarily, followed by an emphasis on the topic of love and nature in conjunction with mythological ideas. Most significantly that of feminine beauty and its presentation within the traditional means has a large part in most Spanish works produced at the time and finally the importance of taking every moment for its full worth has a substantial important role in this genre, highlighting the principle of ‘carpe diem’ and the need to appreciate the present and experience every chance possible.

The most important example of Spanish literature of this time has to be the anonymously written ‘Lazarillo de Tormes’, marking the start of the Spanish picaresque novel within widely read literature, in conjunction with the importance of the anti-hero or a rascal as a protagonist, a change from the traditional plot lines of the past. This sensational read went on to become a forbidden work, thus making it all the more read and important when looking at the literary history of Spain, as well as the desired perception of Spanish culture itself by those in charge.

The era of Realist literature followed, however coming from more obscure backgrounds, the term actually being coined from a description of art. The Spanish works of this time were serialised, and made public through newspapers, a tool used by daily journals to increase their revenue, and were very much focussed on social character, allowing the Spanish writers of the time to proclaim themselves as social historians, as well as making them more relevant to their audience.

A particular theme within this focussed on highlighting the contrast between farming and country traditional values and modern urbanised views, allowing a social commentary on the differences as well as the intermediary stages of those trying to escape poverty in the city, again something that many readers were themselves experiencing. Finally the changing role of women was another important theme during this period. Many Spanish writers desired to portray the growing restlessness of females in their restricted home lives, and thus used literature as a medium to explore their role within the home and desire for more independence, marking a significant transition in literature. And thus one can see the growing power of the middle classes through this genre within the Spanish culture due very much to an increased relevance as well as increasing scope to access new literature easily.

Finally an important stage in Spanish literature to look at is that of more modern day writers and their influence. The prevalence and importance of Spanish writers now can be noted through the growing number of translations in order to satisfy a growing audience. Novels such as ‘El cuarto de atrás’ are studied in British universities, and twenty years after its completion it was translated into English. The story however is made all the more interesting due to its roots, and the way in which it reveals life during Franco’s regime, a refreshing Spanish novel after the suppression of these years that led to the death of so many apparently subversive writers. Thus it is clear to see that Spanish literature is growing in strength and importance globally, and the world is continually awaits what Hispanic writers may next produce.



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