The Esperpento Tradition in the Works of Ramon De Valle-Inclan and Luis Bunuel

Valle-Inclan’s “esperpentos” are a particularly Spanish style of black comedy. This work analyzes Valle-Inclan’s works, defines precisely what the term “esperpento” means, and what technique Valle-Inclan used to achieve his aesthetic. These techniques are demonstraed by examples from the plays themselves. The second part of the book examines the manner in which Valle-Inclan’s “esperpento” blends with Bunuels’ surrealistic films, particularly “Un Chien Andalou”, “L’age D’or” and “Tierra Sin Pan”. This book serves as a study of Spanish literature and film at the beginning of the 20th century .