The spelling of the word "ultraists" can be tricky due to the multiple vowels and consonants present in the word. It is pronounced as [uhl-truh-ists], with the stress on the second syllable. The "u" is pronounced as "uh," while the "a" is pronounced as "ah." The letter "i" is pronounced as a short "ih" sound, while the letter "s" is pronounced as "s" and the letter "t" as "t." The word refers to those who hold extreme views or positions in a particular field or area.
Ultraists were a group of writers and artists who emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in Spain and Spanish-speaking countries. This literary movement sought to challenge the conventional rules and norms of artistic expression, embracing avant-garde aesthetics to push the boundaries of literary and artistic creation. The term "ultraist" derived from the Spanish word "ultra" meaning "beyond," capturing their aspiration to surpass traditional artistic limitations.
Characterized by a radical and experimental approach, the ultraists rejected the dominant literary trends of their time and embraced subjectivity, fragmentation, and the exploration of the unconscious mind in their works. They sought to dismantle conventional grammatical structures and naturalistic descriptions, favoring instead compact and metaphorical language infused with symbolism and imagery. Through their writings, ultraists aimed to evoke emotions and provoke intellectual reflection, often challenging the reader's understanding of reality and language itself.
The ultraist movement was marked by its rejection of traditional literary themes and the pursuit of pure aesthetics, prioritizing the exploration of form and language over content. Their works showcased themes such as individualism, urban life, and the fusion of disparate artistic mediums. Although often criticized for its perceived elitism and lack of social commitment, ultraism had a profound influence on subsequent literary and artistic movements, particularly surrealism, and left a lasting impact on the landscape of Spanish and Latin American literature.
The term "ultraists" does not have an established etymology because it is a relatively obscure word. However, it is likely derived from the adjective "ultra", which comes from the Latin word "ulter", meaning "beyond" or "on the other side". In English, "ultra" is often used as a prefix to indicate something extreme, beyond, or surpassing the usual or conventional. Therefore, "ultraists" may refer to those who hold extreme views or go beyond the norms or boundaries of a particular ideology, movement, or group.