What is Poetry? The answer to that question has been debated for centuries. While poetry has been around for centuries, few have been able to make sense of it. Today, scholars and poets alike grapple with what makes a poem a poem, and for one poet in particular, Gustavo Adolfo Becquer, the answer has remained elusive.
Becquer is one of the most celebrated Spanish romantic poets of the nineteenth century. He wrote about love, death, and the supernatural, yet he was never able to fully explain what poetry was. Becquer’s goal was to capture the emotions of his readers so that they could relate to the subject matter. He once stated: “Poetry is the language of love and passion. I try to make it so that anyone can understand my words, using the proper tone and expressions.”
Despite his inability to explain the fundamental characterisitic of poetry, Becquer remains a respected poet. His work incorporates a balance of simplicity and complexity, allowing accessible entry points while still providing challenging subjects. Image and metaphor play a huge role in his poetry, and this can be seen in his works “Rimas Modernas” and “Rimas.”
Becquer also incorporated a unique style in his poetry, changing frequently to keep it fresh for the reader. He used poetic devices such as symbolism, dichotomy, irony and allusions to explore nuances and meanings of certain words. In “Rimas Modernas,” he created a contrast between the traditional view of a love triangle and the possibilities it could provide. This poem pushes readers to think more deeply about love, which is a powerful technique that Becquer mastered.
Seeking a deeper meaning was key for Becquer who, throughout his illustrious career, continued to search for answers about the true nature of poetry. He believed that there was more beneath the surface of words and that visual imagery was key to understanding it. This explains why, in his works, the images he described were often far-reaching and vivid.
Themes in Becquer’s Poetry
Throughout Becquer’s poetry, there is a recurring theme of impermanence. Much of his writing focuses on fleeting feelings and ideas, and as a result, readers can sympathize with how ephemeral life often feels. Becquer often wrote about the relentlessness of time, which was indicative of his own longing for something better, something that could never be fully articulated. His works, such as the poem “La Cruz del Diablo,” center around such themes and provide readers with a new perspective on them.
Another common theme in Becquer’s poetry is death. In “Rimas,” Becquer focused on death more than any of his other works. Here, the idea of death is used to explore themes such as grief, aging and mortality. The poem also highlights the idea that death is a natural part of life, and Becquer does this by presenting a stark contrast between life and death.
Difficulty of Becquer’s Poetry
Despite the fact that Becquer is considered one of the most accessible poets of the 19th century, his works can be difficult to decode. This is in part due to the heavy symbolism that Becquer uses in his poetry, as well as the play with meter and rhyme. Moreover, Becquer often switches between different styles throughout his works, making them more difficult to comprehend.
Overall, many scholars agree that the difficulty of Becquer’s poetry is what makes it so special. His poems often have multiple meanings and interpretations, so readers can decide for themselves what Becquer’s work means to them. What is clear, however, is that Becquer’s poetry has the power to evoke emotion and provide insight into themes such as love, death and impermanence.
Legacy of Becquer’s Poetry
Becquer’s poetry has withstood the test of time, inspiring generations of writers to come. It is widely seen as one of the founding works of Spanish romanticism and is frequently cited by poets and scholars. His style has been an influence on many poets and scholars, both in Spain and around the world.
Many of his works, such as “La Cruz del Diablo,” have been included in anthologies and studied in schools. His influence can also be seen in literature, theater and film. In fact, Becquer’s poem “Volveran las oscuras golondrinas” was included in the 2000 movie “Chunhyang,” which was based on a traditional Korean tale.
Comparison to Other Poets
The work of Becquer is often compared to the work of other Spanish romantic poets such as Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer and José de Espronceda. All these poets share a similar style, yet Becquer’s work is unique in that it is much more accessible to a wider audience. His works often incorporate symbolism and vivid imagery, making them easier to understand and relate to.
In addition, Becquer’s poetry also stands out when compared to the work of contemporary poets. While many poets of today focus on the minutiae of everyday life, Becquer’s works focus on larger ideas and themes, making them much more powerful. His works often explore topics such as mortality, love and death, which are all timeless themes.
Influence of Becquer’s Poetry
The influence of Becquer’s poetry can be seen in many cultures and nations around the world. His works have been translated into numerous languages, making them more accessible to readers from different countries and backgrounds. Becquer’s influence can also be seen in art, literature, and music. Many of his works have been adapted and included in films, plays and even songs.
Becquer’s influence is also felt in popular culture. Many people today are familiar with his work, and his poems are frequently referenced in jokes and conversations. Becquer has also been cited in various books, such as J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. This further proves the impact of his unique style and themes, which have been an inspiration to many.
Conclusion
Gustavo Adolfo Becquer is one of the most influential and celebrated Spanish romantic poets of all time. He wrote about themes such as love, death and mortality, often using heavy symbolism and imagery to explore these topics. His work is accessible and thought-provoking, inspiring generations of writers and readers alike. Becquer’s ability to evoke emotion and his unique style have enabled his works to remain relevant to this day.
