Concha Méndez. Recorte de el documental de Las Imprescindibles

Summary

This transcript delves into the life and literary journey of Concha Méndez, a prominent figure in Spain's Generation of '27. From a young age, Méndez showed a desire for independence, eventually becoming a pioneering poet who contributed to the avant-garde and literary circles of her time. Her works, influenced by her travels, love experiences, and interactions with key literary figures like Neruda, reflect her unique evolution as a poet. Despite her significant contributions, the history of literature often overlooks the female voices of this generation, including Méndez, who played a pivotal role in Spain's cultural landscape.

Takeaways

• 😀 Concha Méndez's childhood ambition was to become a captain, despite being told that girls 'were nothing.'
• 😀 Her early work, influenced by a strong reading habit, was characterized by its classical style rather than avant-garde experimentation.
• 😀 She was influenced by various female poets, especially through her self-taught approach, and developed a strong connection with the literary world.
• 😀 Concha's work reflects a deep connection to the sea and land, especially after her travels to Argentina.
• 😀 She published a book titled 'Mar y Tierra' (Sea and Land), which was illustrated by Norah Borges, sister of the famous Jorge Luis Borges.
• 😀 Later works, like 'Vida y Vivir' (Life and Living), show an evolution in her poetic language, while maintaining a classical style.
• 😀 Despite challenges, Concha was part of the 1927 Generation, and collaborated with major poets and intellectuals of the time.
• 😀 She was part of the literary and educational circles that shaped Spain's intellectual culture, contributing to several important journals and educational initiatives.
• 😀 Her life was marked by significant relationships, including a long-lasting connection with a man from Aragón, reflecting her engagement in both personal and intellectual matters.
• 😀 Despite her contributions, the visibility of women in literary history, especially in the context of the Generation of 1927, remains limited compared to their male counterparts.

Q & A

What was the initial reaction of the speaker when asked about their future career?

The speaker recalls that when asked about their future, they immediately said they wanted to become a ship captain, despite their dislike for anything else. They were also quite upset when a male figure stated that girls were nothing compared to boys.

What influence did poetry and literature have on the speaker's development?

The speaker mentions that they were greatly influenced by poetry from an early age, specifically the works of female poets. This influence, coupled with their natural receptiveness to reading, played a significant role in their own poetic expression.

What is the significance of the book 'Mar y Tierra' in the speaker's life?

The book 'Mar y Tierra' holds significant importance as it was inspired by the speaker's journey to Argentina. It reflects their immersion in the Buenos Aires literary scene, and was published with illustrations by Norah Borges, sister of the famous writer Jorge Luis Borges.

How does the speaker describe the development of their poetic style?

The speaker notes that their poetic style evolved over time, particularly through personal experiences, including love and travel. Despite this evolution, their poetry remained rooted in a classical style, rather than embracing avant-garde experimentation.

How was the speaker's connection to the Generation of '27 reflected in their life and work?

The speaker describes their strong connection to the Generation of '27, highlighting collaborations with both male and female members of this literary group. This included contributions to major literary magazines, such as 'Gaceta Literaria,' 'Occidente,' 'Ultra,' and 'Alfa Inverso.'

What role did women play within the Generation of '27, according to the speaker?

The speaker laments that despite their active contributions, women from the Generation of '27, including themselves, are often underrepresented in history books and literature manuals compared to their male counterparts. This reflects the broader challenge of acknowledging female contributions to the literary movement.

What were some of the key social and political activities of the Generation of '27?

Members of the Generation of '27 were involved in various social and political activities, including educational initiatives like the Pedagogical Missions. These were efforts to spread culture and literacy across Spain during a time of significant social change.

How did the speaker describe their experience with the Generation of '27?

The speaker recalls their experience within the Generation of '27 as being incredibly unique and enriching, as they interacted with some of the greatest poets of the time. This environment was both intellectually stimulating and creatively fulfilling.

What does the speaker say about the later works of Concha Méndez?

The speaker mentions that later in life, Concha Méndez, a notable poet of the Generation of '27, wrote a book titled 'Vida y Vivir,' which explores themes of life and living despite the shadows of aging and negativity that surrounded her in her later years.

How does the speaker reflect on their personal relationships with members of the Generation of '27?

The speaker reflects on a long-lasting relationship with a man from Aragón, a member of the Generation of '27. They note that their correspondence and collaboration on various literary projects lasted for over seven decades, indicating a deep, enduring connection.