World Literature - Spanish Literatures

The Spaniard is strongly emotional. Witness his intense fondness for discussion, his party spirit, his craving for the excitement of the bullfight and the lottery, his occasional acts of violence. He is patriotic, and loves both his country and his own district. He has a sense of personal pride which gives an impression of arrogance.

Spanish literature displays a noble strain and a passionate and eager spirit. The very language, thoughts, and feelings show the romantic impulses, and the heroic chapters in its history reveal the stuff of which it is made. The land of Cervantes is a land of humor and cheerfulness. Chivalry was pre-eminently a Spanish product, and chivalrous traits still prevail in the Spanish character. Unquestioned obedience and faith in matters of religion are almost universal. The intellectual genius of Spain is slighter than that of either Italy or France. Frequently she has gained much from her contact with other people: from the Moslems, especially during the period from the twelfth to the fourteenth century, when scientific and philosophic studies among the Moors were at their height and when the Greek and oriental classics were being explored by them; from the Italians particularly during Renaissance period; and from the French at frequent stages in Spain’s intellectual career. Yet it must not be supposed that Spain lacks originality or that her total achievement in literature is inconsiderable. She has produced in

The Cid a true national epic. Few poets of the first rank may be named among the Spaniards; but poetry, especially romantic poetry, is of the very essence of Spanish life and temperament, and the Spanish ballad is world-famous. Among dramatists Spain can point to Lope de Vega and Calderon. The romances of chivalry and the picaresque novel (dealing with rogues and vagabonds) are distinct Spanish types. Don Quixote, Cervante’s masterpiece, is a world classic of the first order, the delight of each succeeding generation. And among European writers of recent times Spaniards hold a distinguished place.