Parnassianism

Definition

Parnassianism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, primarily in France, characterized by a focus on aestheticism, formal precision, and a rejection of emotional expression. This movement influenced modernismo in Latin America, where writers sought to create art for art's sake, emphasizing beauty and craftsmanship over emotional depth. Parnassianism is significant as it laid the groundwork for modernismo's evolution, shaping the aesthetics and thematic concerns of many Latin American authors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Parnassianism arose as a reaction against the Romantic movement, which was known for its emphasis on emotion and individualism.
2. Key figures of Parnassianism include poets like Leconte de Lisle, who advocated for meticulous craftsmanship in poetry.
3. The movement stressed the importance of form over content, with a focus on structure, meter, and rhyme.
4. Parnassianism's influence can be seen in the works of modernista writers such as Rubén Darío, who incorporated its principles into their poetry.
5. The term 'Parnassian' itself refers to Mount Parnassus in Greece, which was considered the home of the Muses and symbolized artistic inspiration.

Review Questions

• How did Parnassianism influence the development of modernismo in Latin America?
  • Parnassianism provided a framework for modernismo by emphasizing aesthetic values and formal precision. Latin American writers drew inspiration from Parnassian principles to create poetry that prioritized beauty and craftsmanship. This influence allowed them to break away from Romantic emotionalism, steering their work towards a more refined and sophisticated style that defined modernismo.
• In what ways did Parnassianism differ from its predecessor movements like Romanticism?
  • Parnassianism differed significantly from Romanticism by rejecting emotional expression in favor of a more objective approach to art. While Romanticism celebrated personal feelings and individual experiences, Parnassian poets focused on meticulous form, structure, and technical skill. This shift highlighted a broader trend towards aestheticism in literature, promoting the idea that art should exist for its own sake rather than as a vehicle for personal emotion.
• Evaluate the impact of Parnassian principles on specific works by Manuel Gutiérrez Nájera within the context of modernista prose.
  • Manuel Gutiérrez Nájera’s prose exemplifies the integration of Parnassian principles through his emphasis on lyrical beauty and meticulous style. By applying these principles, Nájera created works that not only showcased his technical prowess but also allowed him to explore themes of identity and culture within a refined aesthetic framework. His ability to blend Parnassian formal qualities with modernista themes positioned him as a pivotal figure in bridging these literary movements.

Related terms

Modernismo: A literary movement that originated in Latin America in the late 19th century, marked by a quest for artistic innovation and the embrace of European influences, particularly from Parnassianism and Symbolism.

Aestheticism: A philosophical approach that values beauty and artistic expression over moral or political themes, aligning closely with the principles of Parnassianism.

Symbolism: A literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century as a reaction against realism, emphasizing symbols and imagery to convey emotions and ideas, influencing Parnassian poets.