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

The objectives of this research report are twofold: to make findings public and to report on empirical observations, ensuring linearity and absence of noise. The language used must be clear, concise, simple, impersonal, and maintain a detached tone.

Characteristics of a Research Report

Report Structure

1. Title

Maintain neutrality in the title.

2. First Page

• Name of the research center
• End date (month/year)

3. Table of Contents

4. Introduction

State the reasons for the study, define its scope (time and place), and outline the report's chapters. Include acknowledgments in the final lines.

5. Broader Context

Position the research within its specific social context. Tracing the phenomenon's evolution may require historical perspective.

6. Methodology

This section... Continue reading "Crafting Effective Research Reports: Structure and Content" »

Critique of Society's Flaws

The author aimed to express a protest against the hypocritical and bourgeois society, exalting its vitality while criticizing the greed and ambition of individuals solely focused on personal enrichment, who lawfully manipulated the weaker. This critique highlights how criminals succeed in society, while the humble and good-hearted fail, as exemplified by Don Victor, while Mesía remains unscathed.

The Pervasive Moral Vacuum

From a moral standpoint, the novel reveals a misrepresentation of ethical values. The moral vacuum permeates all social classes, but it is most clearly reflected within the aristocracy. At the home of the Marquis de Vegallana, a moral code of conduct is established that does not tolerate carelessness.... Continue reading "The Moral Vacuum: Realism in 19th Century Spanish Society" »

Lazarillo de Tormes: An Antihero's Journey

Lazarillo de Tormes presents autobiographical elements and facts narrated with verisimilitude. It portrays the life of an antihero, marked by alternating grace and disgrace, who never fully escapes his miserable existence. He uses tricks to survive and grows into an adult lacking honor.

Publication History and Authorship

The text first appeared in 1554 in four different editions simultaneously. It achieved remarkable success but was soon banned by the Inquisition in 1559. In 1573, its printing was allowed again, albeit in an expurgated version. The complete text was not published again in Spain until 1834.

The exact date of composition is unknown, although historical references within the work suggest... Continue reading "Lazarillo de Tormes: Social Critique in the First Picaresque Novel" »

Claude Shannon: Information Theory Pioneer

Claude Elwood Shannon (Michigan, 1916-2001) was a foundational figure in information theory. His work, often associated with Warren Weaver, focused on the effective transmission of information through a channel, addressing technical problems related to the meaning and desired meaning of messages.

Shannon-Weaver Model Concepts (1948)

The model, influential in cognitive psychology, describes how a subject searches, selects, transforms, and reproduces information, adjusting the sender's action based on feedback. Key elements include:

• Transmitter and Receiver: The tools or devices used in communication.
• Communication Channels & Codes: Compatible channels and codes are essential for effective communication

Azorín's Literary Innovations and Evolution

His texts, rather than traditional novels, marked a significant break with the 19th-century conception of the genre.

Azorín's Conception of the Novel

Azorín challenged traditional notions of movement and time. His narrative is divided into snapshots that form materialized tables in disjointed sections, often scattering the reader's attention.

In his narrative, Azorín conducted a deep analysis of perception. He was influenced by a diverse range of fields, including:

• Philosophy
• Literature
• Impressionist painting
• Photography
• Film
• Journalism
• Modern telegraphic writing

These influences helped him freeze the moment and capture the immediate impression.

In his early works, Azorín displayed a violent rebellion against... Continue reading "Azorín's Literary Legacy: Narrative Style and Key Works" »

Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People

1. The Painting

• Location: Musée du Louvre
• Artist: Eugène Delacroix
• Style: Romanticism
• Date: 1830
• Technique: Oil on canvas
• Subject: Fabric

2. Context

A) Historical Context

The nineteenth century was a time of profound political, economic, and cultural change. It emphasizes the Industrial Revolution and the French Revolution. Napoleon stretched the French presence throughout Europe. The victorious European monarchies, absolute monarchies, called the Restoration period.

B) Cultural Context

In this stage, three streams are highlighted: Neoclassical, Realism, and Romanticism.

3. Characteristics

a) General Characteristics

Expresses moods and feelings, while reason is still important.

Topics: Scenery (preferably savage, mysterious,... Continue reading "Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People: Analysis & Context" »

The Romantic Novel

The novel is the genre of the new ruling class, the bourgeoisie, and the middle class. There are different types of romance novels:

• A novel insight (failed to): A hero makes a gesture to act as a serial, introspective 'I'.
• Novela: Becomes popular and goes to Spain from France, has a romantic plot, and is sometimes tearful. It represented the great Sundays.
• Novela: Also sets fashion, is aimed at a middle-class audience. Predicts what would later become historical reality.
• Novela: The authors of this period are set in the Middle Ages; documented past events not to fail in their historical narrative.

Customs Article

The customs article can be considered the most original contribution to Spanish prose. It responds to a fixed schedule:... Continue reading "Romantic Novel, Realism, and Naturalism in Literature" »

Realism and Naturalism in Literature

In the second half of the 19th century, Europe experienced significant political, social, and economic development. The bourgeoisie consolidated its power as a class. Philosophy focused on strictly observing reality, and literary writers sought to understand and reflect this reality. Thus, Realism emerged.

Realism

Features of Realism

• Focus: Primarily on the bourgeoisie.
• Objectivity: The novel mirrors the reality of the time.
• Style: Simple and clear prose. Characters' speech reflects their social class.
• Social Criticism: Often critiques the opportunistic and greedy bourgeoisie. Stories may feature a noble character who fails.
• Detailed Portrayal: Environments and characters' nature are accurately described.
  • Environment

Introduction

The avant-garde encompasses a series of artistic movements that emerged in the first decades of the 20th century, rebelling against art's traditional role of imitating reality. These movements, while diverse, shared common characteristics that profoundly impacted art and literature: anti-realism, artistic autonomy, irrationalism, a pursuit of originality, and aesthetic experimentation.

Key European Avant-Garde Movements

• Futurism: Celebrated a break from the past, praising the geometric splendor of the modern world, mechanical civilization, and technological advancements. Stylistically, it sought a dynamic and rapid verbal expression, embracing new possibilities.
• Expressionism: While not a complete rejection of earlier traditions, it

Political and Social Context

The larger context of political tension occurs during the implementation problems of constitutional monarchies and republics. This creates a climate of uncertainty and insecurity that manifests itself in the cultural and artistic movement of Romanticism. Romanticism presides over much of the nineteenth century, and in the case of Catalan literature, important writers of the end of this century, such as Verdaguer and Guimerà, are heavily influenced by this aesthetic.

The bourgeois social class, with its powerful individualism, was the impetus behind the entrepreneurial middle class in England, which carried out an industrial revolution. The proletariat and workers, increasingly important, also eventually have an important... Continue reading "Catalan Literature in the 19th Century: Romanticism and Renaixença" »