Joan Maragall and Ada Negri: A (Dis)semblance

Joan Maragall and Ada Negri were contemporaries, writing poetry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Both enjoyed wide popular success in their respective cultures, but there is no evidence that they ever communicated or were familiar with each other’s work. This essay is an exercise in comparative literature, approaching their poetry with a view to illustrate the similarities and, more importantly, the distinguishing features between them. At first glance, their bodies of work appear to be comparable, both stemming from closely related literary traditions. However, a more thorough and contextual analysis demonstrates clear distinctions, primarily due to each author’s interests and unique approach. Maragall developed a highly structured aesthetic theory closely linked to Modernism, which is reflected in his poetry. On the other hand, Negri writes poetry with a personal tone, portraying the society of the time from a perspective that positions itself as feminine.