Lorca: Poems of Love and Death

Lorca, Federico Garcia (1898–1936), translated by Kline, A. S. (contact-email)

Federico García Lorca, a seminal Spanish poet and dramatist, significantly influenced the literary world with his avant-garde approach to symbolism and surrealism. Educated in Granada and Madrid, Lorca formed notable associations with figures like Dalí and Buñuel. His fame escalated with the release of Romancero gitano in 1928, blending Andalusian motifs with progressive techniques. His time in the Americas, particularly New York, inspired Poeta en Nueva York, published posthumously in 1942. Lorca’s tragic execution by Nationalist forces in 1936, due to speculated reasons including his politics or sexuality, marked a premature end to his impactful career. His body remains undiscovered. Lorca’s works are renowned for their linguistic vibrancy, cultural portrayal of Andalusia, and emotional depth, often disguising complexity with seeming simplicity. His poetry, offering intense and honest experiences, speaks more eloquently than any description can convey.

Author Details

Federico García Lorca, born on 5 June 1898 in Fuente Vaqueros near Granada, Spain, was a renowned Spanish poet, playwright, and theatre director. He emerged as a leading member of the Generation of ‘27, a group of poets who introduced elements of European artistic and literary movements including symbolism, futurism, and surrealism into Spanish literature.

García Lorca first gained prominence with “Romancero gitano” (Gypsy Ballads, 1928), a collection of poems blending traditional Andalusian themes with avant-garde styles. His stay in New York City from 1929 to 1930 significantly influenced his subsequent works. Upon returning to Spain, he wrote his acclaimed plays “Blood Wedding” (1932), “Yerma” (1934), and “The House of Bernarda Alba” (1936).

As a homosexual García Lorca did not openly acknowledge his sexuality during his lifetime due to the prevailing social norms. He had a troubled relationship with sculptor Emilio Aladrén Perojo, and a close emotional bond with artist Salvador Dalí.

He was assassinated by Nationalist forces at the beginning of the Spanish Civil War, in 1936. His death remains a subject of controversy, with various theories suggesting he was targeted for his political beliefs, sexual orientation, or personal disputes.

García Lorca’s literary work, characterized by a deep exploration of human emotional and social issues, left a permanent legacy, and profoundly influenced 20th-century Spanish literature and theatre.

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Kline, A. S.

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