Parnassianism and Symbolism at the crossroads of Modernity. Towards a general review of their bonds

Abstract

Parnassianism and Symbolism constituted the origins of the contemporary poetry itself. The objective of this article is to study the interrelations between these poetic movements and their contribution to the overcoming of Romanticism and 19th century aesthetics. It will be done through a diachronic analysis of both poetic paradigms and at different levels, from epistemology to rhetoric. Special attention will be given to Parnassianism, the most forgotten secular poetic school, and particularly to its connections to the authors that have been considered the fathers of Symbolism. Finally, the focus will be centered in some extra-literary determining factors like power struggles and patriotism and their role in configuring the poetic solutions at the turn of the century.