The Aura of Authenticity in Spanish-American Modernismo

Abstract: This paper deals with the interpretation and manifestation of modernity within the writings of José Martí. It analyzes Martí’s prose and poetry and delineates the martian expression of modernity as an authenticated and sincere poetry. However, due to the incapacities of language, it exposes Martí’s inability to realize such spontaneous and unlabored poetry. What compensates for his failure is the idealistic drive towards a heroic and genuine poetics that reveals his internal moral push for authenticity. True spontaneity is an expression of pain and sorrow that characterizes the overarching pursuit for sincerity. Martí’s expression of modernity revealed in his poetry ultimately realizes the true modern spirit of originality that the modernistas who follow him will in turn attempt to achieve