The word "Ultraist" is spelled with four syllables and is pronounced /ʌl-trə-ist/. The first syllable, "ul", has a short "u" sound, while the second syllable, "tra", is pronounced with a short "a" sound. The third syllable, "ist", is pronounced with a long "i" sound. The word is commonly used to refer to a literary or artistic movement which seeks to go beyond realism, often associated with early 20th-century Spanish and South American writers.
Ultraist refers to a movement in Spanish and Latin American poetry that emerged in the early 20th century, specifically around 1918-1922. It was characterized by advocating for the creation of an avant-garde and innovative form of poetry, often experimenting with language, aesthetics, and subject matter.
The term "ultraist" derives from the Spanish word "ultra," meaning "beyond" or "transcendent." Ultraists sought to go beyond the limitations of traditional poetry, challenging the established norms and conventions prevalent at the time. They aimed to break away from the romantic and symbolist trends of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which they perceived as outdated and restrictive.
Ultraist poetry often embraced technological advancements and the dynamism of the modern era, incorporating elements of urban life, machinery, and industrialization in their work. They emphasized the importance of individual expression, innovation, and experimentation, frequently employing fragmented syntax, unexpected metaphors, free verse, and diverse linguistic resources.
The movement held a rebellious and iconoclastic ethos, as it rejected traditional literary influences and sought to establish a purely Spanish and Latin American poetic tradition. Besides poetry, ultraists also engaged in other artistic realms, including journalism, manifestos, and collaborations with artists from different disciplines.
While the ultraist movement eventually declined after a few short years, its impact on Spanish and Latin American poetry was significant. Ultraism became a precursor to later avant-garde movements, inspiring future generations of experimental poets and serving as a catalyst for literary renewal and innovation.
One who advocates extreme measures.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Ultraist" originated in the early 20th century and is derived from the Spanish term "ultraísmo". Ultraísmo was a literary movement that emerged in Spain around 1918, characterized by its opposition to modernism and its emphasis on futurism and the avant-garde.
The prefix "ultra-" in "Ultraist" comes from Latin, meaning "beyond" or "extreme". It is used to convey the movement's intention to go beyond or push the limits of existing literary conventions.
Therefore, the word "Ultraist" and its Spanish equivalent "ultraísmo" were coined to describe the artists, writers, and poets associated with the Ultraist movement who sought to break away from traditional literary norms and explore new forms of expression.