Penulis: Katharine Lee Bates

Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, born Gustavo Adolfo Claudio Domínguez Bastida on February 17, 1836, in Seville, Spain, stands among the most prominent figures of Spanish Romantic literature. His literary corpus primarily comprises poetry and prose, in which he articulated a distinctive lyrical voice alongside themes of love, death, and the supernatural. Bécquer”s position in the literary canon is most notably anchored by “Rimas y Leyendas” (Rhymes and Legends), a collection that features his seminal verse and Romantic legends of Spain. His literary style encompasses an ethereal quality, where lyrical expression transcends the corporeal world, often reflecting a yearning for the unattainable. Although his life was brief, as he succumbed to tuberculosis at the age of 34, his legacy endures through his works, which continue to be revered for their emotional depth and artistic elegance. Bécquer”s influence resonates in the literary trajectory of Spanish literature and beyond; his creations have been pivotal in shaping the contours of post-romantic lyricism, inspiring generations of poets and writers seeking to capture the ineffable nuances of human emotion and experience.