MODERNISM: HISTORICAL CONTEXT, CHARACTERISTICS, THEMES, STAGES - LITERATURE - 2024

The Modernism was an artistic and literary movement that emerged at the end of the nineteenth century in response to the stifling bourgeois and capitalist life of the time. Modernism celebrated beauty, freedom and art not only as an aesthetic position, but also as a way of life and an attitude towards the superfluous ideals of mercantilist society.

According to Juan Ramón Jiménez, Spanish art critic and poet, in general terms modernism can be defined as a great aesthetic and philosophical movement that expressed its parameters and inclinations through the enthusiasm for beauty and freedom. This involved practicing creative isolation to shake off a deafening time.

Rubén Darío is considered the precursor of modernism. Source: Here

Modernist artists were characterized by their rejection of the growing positivist world, which valued man within his functional character, leaving aside any quality that was not pragmatic. The struggle for prosodic freedom, as well as the inclination towards a neo-spiritualism, kept the modernists of America and Spain linked.

Some authors have wanted to reduce modernism defining it as a literary movement of rhetorical and grammatical extravagances; however, this definition is vague for such a broad and complex aesthetic. Modernism deals with a tendency to enhance and refine sensations by intensifying the lyric and rhythm.

Another author of notable importance, such as Teófilo Gautier, established in his work entitled Sinfonía en blanco mayor that, for modernists, the value that words acquire through the dictionary is limited, while words can be converted through sound. in much more contrived concepts.

According to this writer, the words are similar to diamonds: it is necessary to polish them in order to extract all their beauty. For its part, music plays a fundamental role within modernism: thanks to the perfect lyric and the purified use of rhythm, the modernists play with musical phrases and construct verses that evoke dance.

In conclusion, it can be established that modernism, as an artistic movement, implied an evolution and a renaissance in terms of the way of perceiving language and beauty. Likewise, it emerged as an opposition to the utilitarian spirit of the 19th century; however, today it is still in force due to the suffocating guidelines of the so-called progress.

Historic context

The gestation of the modernist artist arose through the birth of a generation tired of social work and victim of a strong malaise produced by living quickly and materially. In a world of new machines, imagination and creativity had gone dormant.

It was the time of the greatest apogee of industrialism, when day-to-day problems stifled the existence of the fine arts and undermined the cultivation of thought and philosophy.

The generation of modernism noticed the presence of a mass of people who had become trivial, indifferent and distracted in the face of beautiful and aesthetic aspects.

Origin

Some consider that modernism had its origin in the last vestiges of romanticism, since it preserved from this movement the need and passion for art, as well as the spirit of disagreement and rebellion.

Generally, the great literary currents that are still used today - such as naturalism - arise in turn from romanticism.

Modernism was also born from the search to find an art that responded to the historical moment that was developing, since at that time no artistic manifestation had yet emerged that responded to this need due to the immediacy of the time.

The importance of Rubén Darío and the collection of poems

As for the date of initiation of modernism, many authors agree that it occurred in 1888 with the appearance of the collection of poems Azul… by the acclaimed poet Rubén Darío, who is considered the father of this artistic movement.

The importance of this collection of poems was monumental and inspired many Hispanic authors. This work not only has poems, but also a series of stories that follow the same musical and colorful aesthetic.

For Rubén Darío, the image of the white swan and the color blue were the main emblems of his aesthetic stance, hence he chose this color to title his lyrical collection.

In his work entitled Historia de mis Libros, published in 1913, the Nicaraguan poet assured that he chose this color because he considered it the color of dreams, as well as the color of art.

This author had a penchant for Greco-Latin culture, so it is common to find mythological references within Azul… He also used fairy tales to make worlds of fantasy and magic.

Likewise, some magical characters reappear from the play A Midsummer Night's Dream, by William Shakespeare. Another frequent theme in Rubén Darío's poetry is erotic symbolism, which is manifested through the female figure.

Although modernism advocated isolation, Darío made severe criticisms of bourgeois society within his poems, as can be seen in The Bourgeois King; he also questioned the role of the artist within society.

Reception of Azul in Hispanic culture and the term "modernism"

In the first period after its publication, the collection of poems did not have much popularity; It only had a few reviews in the Chilean press.

However, in the middle of the same year Juan Valera -important Spanish novelist- published a couple of letters in which he praised Rubén Darío's poetic ability, arguing that despite the notable French influence within his texts, the Nicaraguan writer had achieved emit a unique style.

Thanks to the approval of Juan Valera, the book spread throughout the American continent and throughout Spain, which was a convulsion within the younger writers, who began to use the techniques of this poet.

At the beginning, the term "modernism" had a pejorative allusion, as has happened with different artistic movements - the same happened, for example, with impressionism. However, the artists decided to take the term to give a name to their aesthetic inclinations.

Characteristics of modernism

According to various bibliographic sources, it can be established that modernism consisted of a synthesis between symbolism and Parnassianism.

The first referred to the importance of suggesting in art, while the second consisted in the search for perfection within the formal aspects of writing, as well as the sensations caused by the exotic theme.

In the same way, modernism was also nourished to a lesser extent by other currents typical of the 19th century, such as the Pre-Raphaelites and decadentism.

A fundamental characteristic of modernism consisted in the fact that it was a movement of rupture caused by a deep spiritual crisis that manifested itself at the end of the century and reached its highest peak when the First World War began. As a result of this first essential element of modernism, other aspects can be established:

Multidisciplinary stream

Modernism manifests itself through different disciplines, not just literature or poetry. Decorative arts, ceramics, painting, sculpture, drawing and architecture were also evident in him.

Due to the importance of industrialization at the time, artisanal production processes were gradually overtaken by mass production methods.

Antithesis of realism

Contrary to movements such as realism, modernism rejected everyday reality, which offered the writer the possibility of fleeing the time in which he lived in order to evoke past or better times.

The rejection of reality and the sobriety of everyday life

Modernist writers chose to isolate themselves from a reality that did not satisfy them; They did this through literature, since from this they created remote and exotic spaces in which to take refuge from the unsatisfactory day to day.

Many of them spoke of "taking refuge in an ivory tower", whose metaphor alluded to that magical and wonderful world completely different from industrial reality.

Forceful preciousness

Due to its Parnassian influence, modernism developed a remarkable interest in the perfection of form. This led its writers to develop a highly precious language, in which beautiful colors and striking jewels stood out.

Preciousism is also related to the favorite image of the modernists, the ivory tower, since it refers to taking refuge in beauty to escape from a sordid and violent world.

The hidden melancholy

Despite its magical worlds and its preciousness, a strong melancholic inclination hides within modernist literature. This was due to the fact that, despite the attempts of these writers to protect themselves from reality, it always accompanied them in the development of their creations, since it was part of their episteme.

This means that the evasion (or the ivory tower) only partially worked, since the modernists could not detach themselves from the decadence and pessimism that abounded at the end of the century.

Plastic and colorful images

The modernists considered that beauty could be suggested by very colorful and plastic images, which is why the use of an adjective of color predominated in their texts.

Those images that awakened the senses and sensory experiences also predominated.

Musicality in composition

In order to give their creations musicality and rhythm, the modernists often abused alliteration and synesthesia. Likewise, they liked to use the classic stanzas, since these also facilitated this sound.

The favorite verses of the modernists were the Alexandrian, the eneasyllable and the dodecasyllable, although they also used the classical sonnet with some variations of their own.

Eroticism and mythology

As mentioned in previous paragraphs, modernism was inclined to use aspects of Greco-Latin culture, especially those related to mythology. For this reason it is common to find references to this civilization within the texts of these authors.

It was also common to find slight erotic and sensual traits in modernist texts through the use of metaphors. The female figure was widely used and idolized by these writers.

Predominance of the nationalist over the foreign

Despite the fact that modernist writers were influenced by various European and French currents -such as symbolism-, these authors defended national aspects. This means that they maintained the romantic ideal of national values ​​and the American color.

An example of this nationalism can be found in the poems of Rubén Darío, in which the author acclaims and defends the nature of American soil.

Interest in exotic cultures

This characteristic is observable in some of the most important modernist works written at the time. In them the affinity for the exotic and the recreation of the environment of India or oriental culture is present. The appearances of pre-Columbian civilizations also stand out.

Search for freedom

Modernists fought against traditions, always looking for novelty and freedom both in the forms of their texts and in their content.

Similarly, modernism shared with other movements that experimental character and the speed with which its proposals replaced those of previous aesthetic movements.

Core themes

Taking into account the above characteristics, it can be argued that the modernist theme was consolidated around exotic places, mythological facts and eroticism. However, it was also characterized by exposing the anguish and melancholy typical of the time.

Likewise, the modernists used idealized love and the figure of women as one of their main themes.

Boredom towards life: melancholy and anguish

The modernists took the uneasiness of romanticism to express their dissatisfaction with a commercial world, immediate and trivial. For this reason his texts are impregnated with melancholy and anguish.

Likewise, the literature of this movement often questions the figure of the artist within this new world of machines and industries.

Usually, the characters do not find themselves within the society they inhabit. Consequently, the modernist writer emphasized the loneliness of the artist of the time.

Evasion

Escapism was a recurring theme in modernist texts. Generally, no allusion was made to a specific or empirical space or time.

Americanism

Although the modernists felt a deep devotion and inclination towards cosmopolitan Paris, they also defended and used American themes.

The indigenous theme stood out quite a lot within this movement, since they considered indigenous civilization as ancestral creatures that coexisted in perfect harmony with their natural and primitive environment.

Love and women

Modernism used the theme of love with a certain idealization; however, it differed from romanticism in terms of its deep erotic charge.

Impossible love was also used but to a lesser extent, while the female figure was exalted through beautiful metaphors.

Stages of modernism

Modernism is considered to have two main stages, with marked differences between them. The first period spanned between 1888 and 1896, while the second occurred from 1896 until its final evolution after the First World War.

In the period between 1888 and 1896 there was a predominance of Parnassianism, as can be seen in authors such as Rubén Darío, José Martí and Juan de Casal, who are the main representatives of this time of the movement.

Starting in 1896, a slight change occurred in modernist conceptions, since a greater influence of symbolism developed and intimate themes were explored. This can be seen in authors such as Antonio Machado and Juan Ramón Jiménez, who set the tone for this second period.

Delving into the works of the writers of this movement it will be possible to identify and understand the different elements that make up each stage of modernism.

Representatives and their works

Modernism was one of the most important literary movements in Latin America and in Spain, which is why it has a wide variety of authors. These characters wrote not only poetry and novels, but also essays, letters, and short stories.

For many critics, Rubén Darío was the most important author of modernism. However, other great authors such as José Martí, Julián del Casal, Henríquez Ureña, Amado Nervo, Manuel González Prada, José Asunción Silva and Salvador Rueda, among others, also spoke.

-Mexico

Loved nerve

One of the most important modernist writers was the Mexican poet and journalist Amado Nervo, who also dabbled in mysticism.

As was common in Latin American authors, Nervo lived for a time in Paris, where he met the legendary writer Oscar Wilde. Later he moved to Madrid, where he dedicated himself to writing.

Amado Nervo stood out mainly for his poetic texts, although he also wrote essays and novels. His best known novel was the one entitled El bachiller, which was published in 1895; his most acclaimed poetic work was Black Pearls. Mystics, published in 1898.

Manuel Gutierrez Najera

Another important Mexican author for modernism was Manuel Gutiérrez Nájera, who is known for having been a forerunner within this movement.

Like Amado Nervo, Nájera devoted himself to poetry and journalism, although he also ventured into theater criticism. Likewise, he was highly acclaimed for his chronicles about the capital of Mexico.

His style is remarkably similar to romanticism, although it is not excessive but delicate and elegant. His most significant works were Schubert's Serenade, Duchess Job, Fragile Tales and Hamlet to Ophelia.

-Colombia

Jose Asuncion Silva

José Asunción Silva is considered one of the most important writers not only in Colombia, but in Latin America.

He was a self-taught young man who dropped out of school at an early age to educate himself. He got to know European culture as he traveled to London, Switzerland and Paris.

Silva had a troubled and difficult life, since the family business had failed and left him full of debt. After the death of his grandfather and his sister, the young author decided to take his own life.

Despite the fact that his work is scarce, one of the most important modernist texts was his collection of poems entitled Nocturnos, in which he carried out great innovations.

Guillermo Valencia Castillo

Guillermo Valencia Castillo was also a Colombian author of great importance, who stood out for his diplomatic work: he was twice a candidate for the presidency.

Castillo traveled to Paris, where he met Rubén Darío. This influenced him for one of his most important works known as Rites, published in 1899.

-Venezuela

Manuel Diaz Rodriguez

The most important Venezuelan writer for the modernist movement was Manuel Díaz Rodríguez, who made a wide range of essays along with some novels and short stories.

One of his most acclaimed works was titled Broken Idols, published in 1901. In this text, Díaz Rodríguez introduced himself to the decadent figure of the 19th century intellectual.

Another of his most notorious texts was Sangre Patricia, published in 1902. In this novel the figure of the femme fatale was explored, as well as an investigation into the psyche of man and his love perception.

Rufino Blanco Fombona

Rufino Blanco Fombona was another Venezuelan writer who stood out in modernist attitudes. Not only did he participate in the literary discipline by writing fruitful poems, but he also maintained an active political and military life.

His most important works include the poetry collection Little lyrical opera, published in 1904; and Cuentos de Poeta, published in 1900.

-Argentina

Leopoldo Lugones

Leopoldo Lugones was a renowned Argentine essayist, journalist and poet, who also developed in the field of politics. He had the opportunity to travel to Europe, which nurtured both his artistic and intellectual development.

His texts are loaded with symbolism, as can be seen in works such as The Mountains of Gold, published in 1897; and Los crepúsculos del jardin, published in 1905. Lugones committed suicide in 1938 as he suffered from severe psychological instability.

Enrique Larreta

Another very important Argentine author of the modernist trend was Enrique Larreta, who served as an ambassador and maintained a wealthy life, since he came from a wealthy family.

Larreta sought his literary inspiration in the Spanish Golden Age and in the renowned writer Miguel de Unamuno, which can be clearly seen in his texts. He was also part of the Argentine Academy of History and the Royal Spanish Academy.

He wrote several important works; however, he was especially notable for two of them: Artemis, published in 1896; and La gloria de don Ramiro, published in 1908.

He also made a series of short stories entitled Las Campanas de Oro, which was published in 1920. Another acclaimed text by this author was entitled Alma chilena, which included a series of nationalist poems; It was published in 1911.

Articles of interest

Literary modernism.

References

1. Ferrada, R. (sf) Modernism as a literary process. Retrieved on May 19, 2019 from Scielo: scielo.conicyt.cl
2. Girardot, R. (sf) Modernism and its historical-social context. Retrieved on May 20, 2019 from Miguel de Cervantes Virtual Library: cvc.cervantes.es
3. Litvak, L. (1981) Modernism: the writer and criticism. Retrieved on May 19, 2019 from Miguel de Cervantes Virtual Library: cervantesvirtual.com
4. Murillo, M. (2013) Modernism and society in the poetic work of Rubén Darío. Retrieved on May 20, 2019 from Dialnet: dialnet.com
5. A. (sf) Modernism: general characteristics through the figure of Rubén Darío. Retrieved on May 19, 2019 from Aula Virtual: edu.xunta.gal
6. A. (sf) Modernismo (literature in Spanish). Retrieved on May 20, 2019 from Wikipedia the free encyclopedia: es.wikipedia.org