The modernist lyric was a literary movement that developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His poetry, like the rest of the literary genres that used it, was characterized by the importance of emotions and disillusionment with the absolute science and truth prevailing in the previous era.
Modernism had great importance both in Spain and in Latin America. In fact, it is usually considered that it began to develop with the work "Azul", by Rubén Darío.
Some of the best known authors of this time were Antonio Machado and his brother Manuel Machado.
Characteristics of modernist lyric
In contrast to the previous literary movement, Modernism is characterized above all by a rejection of objective reality and an exaltation of feelings.
Most of the writers of this current are rebels, against the bourgeoisie and the politics of the time; in fact, Latin American writers were mostly nationalists.
During this time the figure of the bohemian appears: the authors refuse to work, and spend their days in cafes sharing ideas and talking about art. This figure is perfectly portrayed in "Luces de Bohemia", by Valle Inclán.
To a large extent, Modernism is a return to the way of thinking of Romanticism, especially in the lyric.
Poetry focuses above all on the author's internal experience, his feelings, and how he perceives life. There is also an attempt to create beauty above all things.
Modernist lyric
Poetry was one of the most developed genres during this time. Several important changes were introduced from the previous era. The most striking were the following:
-New types of stanzas and verses began to be used that were not commonly used before. For example, twelve-syllable or Alexandrian verses.
-There is an abundance of phonic and rhythmic resources that previously were hardly used. For example, anaphora and parallelism.
-More esdrújulas words are being used, which are not usual in colloquial language.
-Despite the rejection of reality, the modernist lyric tries to be cultured and formal. To achieve this, they begin to use cultisms and complex words, to give more nuances to poetry.
-Because Modernism was an escapist movement, many themes and words related to travel to exotic lands are used. The authors tried to paint a different reality than the one in which they lived.
Important authors of Modernism
The modernist era was very prolific in authors, especially in Latin American countries. While most of them were only known within their respective borders, some of these authors achieved international fame.
One of its most important characteristics was that most of them traveled often, both for work and to expand their knowledge of the world and get to know each other.
The most influential of all was Rubén Darío, but there are many more well-known authors from this time. Some of the most important were Leopoldo Lugones in Argentina, Ricardo Jaimes Freyre in Bolivia, José Asunción Silva in Colombia, José Martí in Cuba, and Antonio Machado in Spain.
References
- "Modernism" in: Wikipedia. Retrieved on: December 22, 2017 from Wikipedia: es.wikipedia.org.
- "Spanish Literature of Modernism" in: Wikipedia. Retrieved on: December 22, 2017 from Wikipedia: es.wikipedia.org.
- "Modernism in Literature: Quick Overview" in: Shmoop. Retrieved on: December 22, 2017 from Shmoop: shmoop.com.
- "Modernist Lyric" in: Wikiteca. Retrieved on: December 22, 2017 from Wikiteca: wikiteca.com.
- "Modernism" in: Lyrical genre. Retrieved on: December 22, 2017 from Lyrical genre: todosobreelgenerolirico.blogspot.com.es.