Literary movements are currents of thought and artistic creation that have marked the history of literature. They gather a set of writers sharing common ideas and aesthetics, and are manifested through characteristic literary works. Each literary movement is influenced by the historical, social, and cultural context of its time, and contributes to shaping the evolution of literature. In this course, we will study the main literary movements from the Middle Ages to the present day.

In the Middle Ages, literature was primarily dominated by lyrical poetry, epic poems, and courtly novels. Troubadours and trouvères were important figures of this era. Lyrical poetry was characterized by themes of courtly love and religious spirituality. Epic poems recounted tales of heroes. Courtly novels highlighted the values of nobility and the codes of courtly love.

The Renaissance was a period of artistic, scientific, and literary renewal in Europe. In literature, we witnessed the emergence of humanism, an intellectual movement that advocated for the valorization of man, his talents, and his reason. Writers of the Renaissance were interested in the study of ancient texts and gave birth to love poetry and philosophical essays.

Classicism was a literary movement that developed in 17th century France. It was characterized by the use of strict composition rules, fixed forms, and an elegant language. Classical writers valued order, clarity, and reason. They drew inspiration from authors of ancient Greece and Rome and aimed to achieve an ideal of artistic perfection. The main representatives of Classicism are Corneille, Molière, and Racine.

Romanticism was a literary and artistic movement that developed in the 19th century. It opposed Classicism by advocating for the expression of feelings, the importance of individuality and subjectivity. Romantic writers sought escape, idealization of nature, rejection of social conventions, and celebration of imagination. The main works of Romanticism are characterized by lyricism, emotional intensity, and a worldview tinged with melancholy.

Realism is a literary movement that developed in the 19th century in reaction to Romanticism. It aimed to represent reality in an objective and faithful manner, based on the observation of society and human behavior. Realist writers sought to depict everyday life, social conditions, and the issues of their time. Realist works are characterized by attention to detail, precise descriptions of places and characters, and a desire to reflect on the injustices and inequalities of society.

Symbolism was a literary and artistic movement that developed at the end of the 19th century. It was characterized by the use of symbols, metaphors, and suggestive images to express deep ideas and emotions. Symbolist writers sought a spiritual and mystical dimension of art, beyond material reality. Symbolist poets also placed great importance on the musicality of language and the sound of words.

Existentialism was a philosophical movement that also influenced literature in the 20th century. Existentialist writers questioned certainties and human existence in an absurd world. They emphasized individual freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning in a reality often chaotic. The main existentialist works express a pessimistic view of the human condition and focus on existential questions.

Postmodernism is a literary movement that developed from the 1960s onwards. It challenges traditional norms and categories of literature, using experimental narrative techniques, wordplay, and intertextual references. Postmodernist writers explore the fragmentation of reality, the multiplicity of viewpoints, and the questioning of grand narratives. They also stand out for a certain cynicism and irony regarding contemporary society.