New School of Poetry

The "New School of Poetry" refers to a literary movement in modern Greece that emerged in the 1880s. This school reacted against the artificial language and style of earlier poets, advocating for a more intimate poetry rooted in the language, customs, and beliefs of the Greek peasantry, particularly drawing inspiration from Greek folk songs.1

Key figures like Yánnis Psycháris championed the use of the Demotic language, arguing for its official adoption. Kostís Palamás, a dominant literary figure, synthesized ancient Greek history and mythology with Byzantine traditions and modern folklore to highlight the unity of Greek culture. Angelos Sikelianós furthered this by writing mystical lyric poetry. This movement also influenced prose, fostering the development of the short story and novels that depicted rural life. Constantine Cavafy, though living in Alexandria, Egypt, is also associated with this period, known for his ironic poems on Hellenistic and Byzantine history.1