This module will explore the development of experimental
narratives in Spain at the beginning of the 20th century within
the context of the avant-garde movement. It will begin by
tracing the emergence of an avant-garde aesthetic in Spain and
exploring the challenge it presented the Realist aesthetic of
the 19th century. These ideas will be considered in relation to
contemporary theories of the avant-garde in Europe. Early
discussions will focus on the theoretical writings on art and
the novel of the Spanish philosopher José Ortega y Gasset. The
module will then focus on texts by Gabriel Miró, Ramón Gómez de
la Serna, Azorín, and Benjamin Jarnés as a means of exploring
how traditional narrative devices such as plot and character are
abandoned in favour of other narrative devices.