Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Arts and Humanities

Noucentisme, a name associated with the early 20th century, marked a new era in Catalan culture. While primarily a literary movement, it was underpinned by a government with a clear cultural agenda. This significant Catalan political and cultural initiative, championed by figures like Enric Prat de la Riba, was supported by Pompeu Fabra and Eugeni d'Ors. Their government was instrumental in modernizing Catalan political language and culture. Enric Prat de la Riba, in particular, championed orthographic reforms, building upon earlier efforts from the Renaixença to revitalize the language after periods of decline.

Noucentisme, notably through the work of Pompeu Fabra, normalized Catalan spelling rules, leading to the creation of a standardized... Continue reading "Noucentisme: Shaping Catalan Culture and Identity" »

Baroque architecture is characterized by:

• Architectures loaded with details and complex designs. It embraces classical forms (columns, arches, pediments, friezes) but in a fanciful manner. Sometimes, the building resembles a grand sculpture. The entablatures curve, and the elements adopt curved and spiral pediments.
• The adoption of elliptical, oval, and other shapes (such as those favored by Borromini). Walls are concave and convex, creating a rolling effect. Straight lines and flat surfaces are largely abandoned.
• A new type of plan that incorporates oblique planes to give an illusion of movement (dynamic spaces) in what is otherwise a static art form. It often represents or suggests the infinite (a path that disappears, a sky, a set of mirrors

Introduction

In the second half of the 19th century, realism emerged as a reaction against romanticism. Realism prioritized observation and aimed to reflect social and everyday life as it truly was, showing reality objectively. This contrasted with the subjectivity of romanticism. Naturalism, a trend originating in France, further developed realism.

Key Influences and Ideas

The rise of realism and naturalism stemmed from a desire for renewal influenced by tradition. Krausism, a philosophical movement promoting free education and liberal, modern thought, played a significant role.

Realism

Realism reflects reality as is, giving insight into its various aspects. Its key characteristics include analysis and observation, focus on the novel, critique... Continue reading "19th-Century Realism and Naturalism in Literature" »

Linguistic Functions

Jakobson's Model

• Poetic: Focuses on the aesthetic qualities of the message itself.
• Emotive: Expresses the sender's emotions (e.g., Greetings!).
• Conative: Aims to elicit a response from the receiver (e.g., regulations, laws).
• Metalinguistic: Refers to the code of language itself (e.g., definitions).
• Phatic: Establishes or maintains the communication channel (e.g., Hello!).
• Referential: Conveys factual information.

Grammar Essentials

Parts of Speech

Nouns

Represent things, places, or animals.

Adjectives

Modify nouns (e.g., some hens, two telephones).

Pronouns

Replace nouns (e.g., I, you, us).

Verbs

Indicate the subject's action.

Adverbs

Modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating place (here, there), time (before, now), manner (quickly)... Continue reading "Linguistic Functions and Grammar Essentials" »

20th-century poetry presents several difficulties due to the aesthetic currents of thought that overlap with dizzying speed. It is difficult to ascribe certain authors to specific movements, as they often evolved throughout their lives.

Celtic Myths and Anglo-Irish Poetry

A serious concern and a deep spiritual love for Irish poetry are maintained, understanding it to be clear and common-use.

T.S. Eliot and Fragmentation

T.S. Eliot, an English poet, received influence from avant-garde movements and French Symbolists like Baudelaire. He employed the technique of the objective correlative, writing a series of disconnected images whose connection the reader must determine, as seen in "The Waste Land."

Rainer Maria Rilke and Germanic Spirituality

Rainer... Continue reading "20th Century Poetry: Movements, Authors, and Key Themes" »

The Age of Realism

Historical Context

The age of Realism has its roots in the revolutionary movement of 1848. The bourgeoisie abandoned the revolutionary spirit, seeking stability and moderation. Industrial growth occurred alongside the rise of great colonial empires in Africa and Asia. In Spain, the bourgeois revolution of 1868 failed, and in 1874 the Bourbon monarchy was restored, beginning the historical period of the Restoration, where the realist novel flourished.

Scientific and Technical Progress

Scientific research made great progress during this era. Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species and The Descent of Man. In the field of technology, the telegraph and steamships emerged.

Realist Literature

The bourgeoisie abandoned Romantic... Continue reading "19th Century Literature: Realism, Naturalism & Romantic Poetry" »

Journalistic Texts

Types of Journalistic Texts

The following are some common types of journalistic texts, categorized by their purpose and style:

• News: An objective account of a fact. The headline highlights the most important aspect of the story.
• Report: An informative text prepared by the newspaper's documentation service.
• Story: Combines information and interpretation, as the journalist presents facts as they have witnessed them.
• Chronicle: Relates current events and provides an analysis of them.
• Interview: The reproduction of a dialogue between a journalist and a person.
• Grandstand: A newspaper article in which a known figure outlines their ideas or opinions on an issue linked to the present.
• Column: An opinion piece signed by a regular newspaper

Social Influence on Gender and Emotions

From a young age, society shapes our understanding of gender and emotions. Societal pressures often encourage women to be more emotional, while men are expected to be more aggressive and physical. This early characterization influences children's play and behavior, with girls often engaging in gentle, emotional games, and boys in more physical and violent ones.

The Anguish of Separateness

Separateness is a source of human anguish, leading to feelings of isolation and helplessness. This isolation can feel like an 'asylum,' preventing genuine connection with others. The story of Adam and Eve illustrates this; upon realizing their nakedness and difference (being of different sexes), they felt shame and guilt,... Continue reading "Societal Impact on Gender, Emotions, and Human Connection" »

Medieval Period (13th and 14th Centuries)

The Medieval period saw advances in the Reconquista and strong literary development, exemplified by Gonzalo de Berceo. This era focused on verse and religious subjects with a didactic purpose.

• Cuaderna Vía: Stanza formed by four monorhyme verses.
• Alexandrine Verse: Verse of fourteen syllables.
• Celestina: Marks a departure from medieval ideals, reflecting the spirit of the time.

Renaissance (16th Century)

The Italian Influence and Realism

The Renaissance, originating in Italy during the 16th century (Siglos de Oro), marked a rebirth of classical learning, emphasizing change, human development, and natural elegance.

• Garcilaso de la Vega: Noble warrior and poet known for his eleven-syllable verse, sonnets, and