José Gautier Benítez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
José Gautier Benítez
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José Gautier Benítez
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| Born | April 12, 1848 Caguas, Puerto Rico |
| Died | January 24, 1880 (aged 31) San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Literary movement | Romanticism |
| Notable works | A Puerto Rico |
| Notable awards | Ateneo |
| Relatives | Alejandrina Benítez de Gautier (mother); María Bibiana Benítez (aunt) |
José Martín Antonio Gautier Benítez (born April 12, 1848 – died January 24, 1880) was a famous Puerto Rican poet. He lived during the Romantic Era, a time when poets focused on strong feelings and nature.
José's Early Life
José Gautier Benítez was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico. His father was Rodulfo Gautier. His mother, Alejandrina Benitez de Gautier, was also a well-known Puerto Rican poet. José's great-aunt, María Bibiana Benítez, was another famous poet in their family. He was greatly inspired by the Romantic poets of his time.
In 1865, José's father wanted him to join the military. So, José was sent to military school in San Juan, Puerto Rico. After graduating, he continued his military studies in Madrid, Spain.
When José Gautier Benítez came back to Puerto Rico, he worked for the government. Records show that in 1868, he was involved in events around "El Grito de Lares." This was a short attempt by some Puerto Ricans to gain independence from Spanish rule.
In 1873, José joined the Liberal Reformist Party. He helped a lot in creating the Ateneo Puertorriqueño. This was an important cultural center in Puerto Rico. In 1878, he co-founded the Puerto Rican Review with his friend Manuel de Elzabura. That same year, he wrote his famous poem A Puerto Rico (To Puerto Rico). This poem was highly praised and won an award from the Ateneo.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1879, José's mother, Alejandrina, passed away. Around the same time, he became very sick with tuberculosis, a serious lung disease. He stayed at home until he died. José Gautier Benítez died in San Juan, Puerto Rico, at just 32 years old. He is buried in the Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery in Old San Juan. His poems, titled Poemas (Poems), were published after he died in 1880.
His Famous Poems
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José Gautier Benítez wrote many beautiful poems. Some of his well-known works include A Puerto Rico (Ausencia) (To Puerto Rico (Absence)) and A Puerto Rico (Regreso) (To Puerto Rico (Return)). Here are some other poems he wrote:
- Americana
- Como Tu Quieras
- Deber De Amar
- El Manzanillo
- El Poeta
- Ella y Yo
- Enfermo
- INSOMNIO
- La Barca
- La Nave
- Las Aves De Paso
- Los Ojos De T.
- Oriental
- Romance
- Un Encargo A Mis Amigos
- Un Sueño
- Zoraida
Honors and Tributes
José Gautier Benítez is remembered in many ways across Puerto Rico. The city of Caguas named a high school and a public housing project after him. The island of Vieques honored him by naming its public library the José Gautier Benítez Public Library. In Hatillo, an elementary school also carries his name.
His legacy even appears in music! The famous song "Lamento Borincano" by Rafael Hernández Marín mentions him. It says, "Borinquen, la tierra del edén. La que al cantar, el gran Gautier llamó la perla de los mares." This means "Borinquen, the land of Eden. The one that, when singing, the great Gautier called the pearl of the seas." In 2019, a new mixed-income neighborhood called the José Gautier Benítez Development began construction in Caguas.
See also
In Spanish: José Gautier Benítez para niños
- List of Puerto Rican writers
- List of Puerto Ricans
- Puerto Rican literature
- French immigration to Puerto Rico
