The Evolution of Spanish Poetry and Influential Spanish Poets
The roots of Spanish poetry began during the Medieval periods and over the 400 years five major poetry styles evolved. This evolution included the Spanish ballads, epochs developed from works as early as the 14 century with the greatest number of romances from the 16th century. The primitive lyrics of the Kharjas (two, three or four verse lyrics written in the Mozarabic dialect) are the oldest of Romance Europe. The Mozarabic dialect has its origins in Latin with Arabic and Hebrew combinations. The epic was embraced and performed by the Minstrels from the 12th to the 14th centuries and its origins was probably France. These poems were written in seven or eight syllables within rhyming verse.
During the 13th century, the cuaderna via was the most distinctive written in Alexandrine verse containing 12 syllables. These works included epics, religious, historical, adventure themes, and advice or knowledge. The Miracles of the Virgin Mary, Cato’s Examples and Book of Alexander are examples of the themes. Called mester de clerecia, this style included poems that were not classified but reflective of it such as Life of St. Maria Egipciaca, Reason to Love and Elena y Maria. During the 14th century, more mature works were included in the genre such as The Book of Good Love and Rhyming Book of the Palace. Cancionero or collection of verse, during this era were compilations of verses that formed books and included important works such as Dialogue Between Love and an Old Man and Dance of Death. Language use changed from Galician-Portuguese to Castilian and octosyllable, verse of arte mayor, and the twelve syllable became the footing of verses and themes from Provencal poetry.
There are many Spanish poets of note such as Antonio Machado (July 26, 1875 to February 22, 1939) one of the leading figures of the Spanish literary movement, the Generation of ’98 and thought of as one of the best poets of all time. Gustavo Adolfo Becquer (February 17, 1836 to December 22, 1870) was well known during his life but most of his works were published after his death. He is best known for The Rhymes and The Legends (Rimas y Leyendas) which are poems and tales taught to high-school students as essential to the study of Spanish Literature. The Spanish poet Josefina Pla (November 9, 1903 to January 11, 1999) received many awards and distinctions for her literary works and for defending human and women’s rights. Although born in Spain, she moved to Paraquay after she married in 1924 and presented her writings to a youth magazine. Her works included more than forty titles. Spanish poets have become more experimental and use styles, themes and characteristics of tradition Spanish style combined with current movements, with some remaining traditional while others are more contemporary.
This is just a snippet of the many hundreds of poets that exist within this Spain bringing forth their influence throughout the world. Much of Latin American’s literature is highly influenced by the Spanish as many of these countries were once conquered by this nation. Today, it is safe to say that Spanish literature, which includes poetry is heard throughout the world.
