What were the two major branches of Spanish Romanticism?

Spanish Romanticism is typically categorized into two distinct branches, each defined by its own ideological and aesthetic focus:12

• The Revolutionary and Metaphysical Branch: This vein is characterized by a "Byronic," subjective, and revolutionary spirit. It emphasizes individual liberty and personal expression. The works of José de Espronceda y Delgado, such as El estudiante de Salamanca and El diablo mundo, are considered the quintessential examples of this movement.12

• The Traditional and Conservative Branch: This second branch is rooted in Christian and monarchical ideology. It often drew inspiration from Spain’s historical past and the literary traditions of the Siglo de Oro. A key representative of this branch is José Zorrilla y Moral, whose drama Don Juan Tenorio remains one of the most enduring works of the period. The play Don Álvaro o la fuerza del sino by Ángel de Saavedra, duque de Rivas is also a significant embodiment of this traditional aesthetic.12