Ram�n del Valle-Incl�n, Luces de bohemia (Bohemian Lights), and the Development of the Esperpento

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine Luces de bohemia (Bohemian Lights) as a cultural artifact from pre-Civil War Spain and as a significant step in the development of Spanish dramaturgy. The role of the rise and fall of the Spanish Empire in the development of 'Spanish Identity' and the question of the 'Problem of Spain' as viewed by Ramn del Valle-Incln and other members of the 'Generation of 1898' will be examined as a prerequisite to any substantive exploration of Bohemian Lights. In order to establish Bohemian Lights as an innovative step in Spanish dramaturgy, a brief examination of the history of Spanish dramaturgy is provided in order to examine the ways in which Valle-Incln subverted traditional Spanish dramaturgical methods to create Bohemian Lights and develop the concept of the esperpento.