Three main modern genres of Literature 

Among the genres of modernism are poetry, prose and drama. Each of the genres includes different subcategories of literary expressions. In this way poetry includes texts and ode; prose may include stories and novels; dramatically in turn includes theater. All genres of modernism are literary genres. Literary genres are expressive techniques.

They are responsible for classifying all literary works within defined categories. Every literary genre has laws that contain both content and form that authors must respect. In the case of modernism, literary genres are mainly focused on the search for aesthetic beauty and the positioning of timeless works, i.e. Lack of notion of time and space.

Modernism was born in Latin America between the nineteenth century and the twentieth century as a critique of the spiritual crisis it experienced at the time. Its main indicator is Ruben Dario, who opposes realism with his production. However, there were several schools during modernism. Each of them is responsible for the production of works in different literary genres, using renewed, musical and refined language.

Genres of modernism

The genres of modernism are poetry, prose and drama. Within these genres, two main themes can be proven. The first is sensual, related to the cult of the senses and beauty. The other is intimate, with a more melancholic, sensual and sad tone. All modernist authors tend to take one place or another in their literary works.

Poetry

Modernist poetry breaks down with the classic literary tone of the day. It is presented in an innovative and original way, ensuring beauty above all things. The traditional rules of classical poetry are losing their significance and are being modified so that all literary production is more sublime and less elaborate. Among the maximum representatives of this movement are authors such as Juan Ramon Jimenez, Antonio Machado, Salvador Rueda, Manuel Machado and Ruben Dario.

Ruben Dario stood out as the maximum representative of modernist poetry. Juan Ramon Jimenez is considered responsible for the renewal of contemporary poetry. Antonio Machado is known for presenting a poetic work in which the evolution of the modernist movement is evident.

Among the subgenres of modernist poetry are mostly lyric and ode. However, anthem, elegy and didactics can also be found in the literary genre of poetry.

Prose

Prose as a literary genre of modernism is related to romanticism, as an extension. It seeks to elevate the work of the author as the creator of a literary work, opposing the oblivion of the creative work of each author. Modern prose was so flawlessly developed. In this way, the works of modernism became true and prestigious works of art, recognized to this day. The narrative of modernism was determined by various poetic rules that allowed it to structure itself terribly. The novel as a subgenre of prose greatly reduced his argument and was responsible for the deeper expression of the ideas and feelings of his characters. Thus, the protagonists of each work had a function of conscience that allowed them to express their emotions and define their world.

The language used by modern prose has an expressive function of lyrical orientation. Some examples of modernist prose are the Sonatas of Ramon Maria del Valle-Inclana.

Dramatic

The literary genre of drama or theater in modernism used new techniques that liberated the inevitable transformation of theatrical art. The dramatic modernist was free in his approach, always maintaining a dialogue between traditional forms of theater and new literary techniques.

On the other hand, the design and architectural development of scenography has improved thanks to the use of new technologies and mechanization. This is how lighting plays a key role in allowing for greater displacement in placement. The traditional idea was also changed, which indicated how the script should be arranged. In this way, the scenario could take any form, be ephemeral, mobile or transformable.

The dramatic modernist freed the theater from its traditional appearance. The structure of the arch of the proscenium and the arrangement of the elements on the stage are completely affected. Among the most important representatives of modernist drama is Jacinto Benavente. He proposed a new kind of comedy, full of more dialogues that are realistic.

Modernism has replaced the critique of society through the performing arts and comedy. Another fundamental representative of this literary genre during modernism was Ramon Maria Del Valle-Inclan, who was in charge of developing the technique of grotesque and renewal of the Spanish theater scene.

Characteristics of modernism genres

The following common features characterized both poetry, prose and modernist drama:

1. ·         The love of elegance genres of modernism had a special fascination with elegance. This can be seen in the repeated use of precious stones and the constant respect for mythology. Modern literature seeks to raise aesthetic values.
2. ·         Eroticism and spiritualism: in prose and modernist poetry, the extraordinary fixation of mystery is appreciated. Eroticism, on the other hand, stands out through pleasure and transitory character.
3. ·         Renewal of language: the use of metrics and musicality of works is rediscovered, far from classical traditions. It gives way to a more refined lexicon.
4. ·         Universal and exotic: the literary genres of modernism cross the boundaries of the local, without abolishing the characteristics of their own. It deals with issues of the people and there is an exotic use of time, where there are two directions.
5. ·         Seduction for the Strange: He strives to elevate everything that is different and allows the works of the notion of time.