Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Baccalaureate

The Novel from the 1960s

During the 1960s, social realism declined, gradually replaced by new modes of expression, structures, language, and style.

Literary works tended to search in memory, explore personal experience, and reflect states of consciousness. A pivotal year was 1962, with the publication of "Time of Silence" by Luis Martin Santos, which influenced the novelists of the time.

Important influences also included Proust, Joyce, Kafka, and Faulkner.

Characteristics of the Experimental Novel of the 1960s:

• The argument becomes less important; the action is minimal; plausible events are mixed with imaginary or fantastic ones. The story takes precedence.
• The characters undergo profound transformations. For example, the number of secondary characters

Don Quixote: Cervantes' Masterpiece

Genesis

Don Quixote is Cervantes' masterpiece. It consists of two parts: the first was published in 1605 and the second ten years later, in 1615. The first is more spontaneous; it seems written on the fly. The second is much more thought out and responds to a well-laid plan. Both show some structural parallelism. The apocryphal Quixote is very interesting because it reveals the outrage that the publication of the first part of Cervantes would have caused in the circle of Lope de Vega. El Quixote de Avellaneda becomes a spokesman for a noble reaction to the intrusion that the nobility led to the claim of a mere gentleman, like Alonso Quijano, passing as a gentleman.

Characters

There are two central characters...

Spanish Literature in the 1950s and 1960s

Poetry

The Decade of the 50: Most Representative Authors

• Blas Otero (1916-1979): Existential poetry, social poetry, new forms of expression
• Gabriel Celaya (1911-1991): Surrealist, intense and aggressive language

The Decade of the 60: Most Representative Authors

• Jose Hierro (1922-2002): Early works: search for happiness; later works: collective suffering and existentialism
• Claudio Rodriguez (1934-1999): Simple style, singular
• Angel Gonzalez: Social poetry
• Jaime Gil de Biedma: Intimate issues
• Jose Angel Valente: Secrecy

Novel

The Decade of the 50: Representative Authors

• Rafael Sanchez Ferlosio: Realistic approach, concentration of action
• Ignacio Aldecoa: Passion as a storyteller
• Jesus Fernandez Santos: Existential themes

The

Michelangelo's David (1501-1504)

David, created between 1501 and 1504, is a youthful work completed when Michelangelo was just 26 years old. He was presented with a magnificent block of marble, without streaks or imperfections, that had been abandoned in the courtyard of the cathedral. The block's narrow lateral profile posed a significant technical challenge.

The creation of David was conducted in the utmost secrecy (with only one day of viewing allowed for the Florentines). Experts believe that Michelangelo did not use a live model.

With this work, the artist embodied the prototype of the hero who triumphs through intelligence over brute strength. This theme resonated deeply with the Florentines, potentially serving as a metaphor for the greatness...

Stage Three: The Thirteenth Century

By the end of the century, only the kingdom of Granada would remain. This first stage involved the navies that facilitated the conquest of Seville, the Balearic Islands, and the coast of Valencia. The Treaty of Tordehumos had a significant effect.

Reconquista (Extremadura, Guadalquivir Valley, and Murcia)

In Castile, the Reconquista was led by Ferdinand III and Alfonso X, marking the capitulation of the main cities of Extremadura, the Guadalquivir Valley, and Murcia. Portugal occupied the lower Guadiana Valley, Alentejo, and the Algarve.

Repopulation (Andalusia, Extremadura, and Murcia)

Repopulation was challenging due to the vast land and limited population. The land was divided into large estates (donadios)...

Spain's 19th Century Economic Stagnation

Agrarian Lag and Industrial Failure

The absence of an agrarian revolution in Spain largely explains the failure of its industrialization process and the resulting social and economic backwardness. While agricultural production did increase, allowing the Spanish population to grow from 11.5 million in 1797 to 18.6 million in 1900, this growth was lower than in industrialized countries.

Demographic Shifts and Rural Dominance

Spain maintained high birth rates, but experienced only a slow decline in mortality due to its economic backwardness. There was a strong rural exodus towards industrialized and coastal areas, alongside significant external migration. Despite these movements, in 1900, approximately 70%...

Christopher's Discovery and Investigation

Christopher, a fifteen-year-old boy with autism, lives with his father after his mother's supposed death two years prior. He discovers the dead body of his neighbor's dog, Wellington, and becomes a suspect. After being briefly arrested, he decides to investigate the dog's death despite his father's objections. His investigation is hampered by his fears and difficulties interpreting the world around him. He records his experiences in a book, creating a "murder mystery novel." During his investigation, he learns from Mrs. Alexander that his mother had an affair with Mr. Shears.

The Truth Revealed

Christopher's father, Ed, discovers the book and confiscates it. Christopher then finds letters from his mother,...

Demographic and Economic Recovery

Major epidemics disappeared and the birth rate increased, leading to a population rise. Agricultural surplus was generated and sold. Improvements in shipping gave rise to trade. This increased the production of hand-made goods and manufacturing, and the growth of cities. Bills of exchange were created to facilitate trade and payments.

Rise of the Bourgeoisie

The economic power of the bourgeoisie did not come from the land. They made their money from capital, investing in profitable activities such as trade, manufacturing, and banking. The first capitalist companies emerged, laying the groundwork for merchant capitalism. Commercial exchanges represented a major source of wealth.

The Strengthening of the Monarchy

In...

The Ending (p.231)

Auggie feels: “I think there should be a rule that everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their lives”. Do you agree with Auggie? Why (not)? Do you think this will ever happen to Auggie? Why (not)? It’s a nice thought because it’s a beautiful way of acknowledging a person’s work or actions and it’s an excellent way to boost this person’s confidence.

This will happen to Auggie at the graduation ceremony when he’s awarded the Henry Ward Beecher medal and the entire audience applauded him.

Part 7 (Miranda)

Camp Lies (p.236)

What does Miranda mean that these girls were “at the top of the food chain”? Why do you think Miranda was ashamed to face Via after returning home from camp?

She...

Brand equity can also be thought of as an asset representing a company's value.

Brand equity represents the cumulative added value of a product or service.

A company that has developed a successful brand has a valuable asset. (FALSE)

A global brand begins with the foundation of value. (T) According to the top (F)

A global product meets the wants of consumers in Japan, Western Europe, and the United States.

After four years of product development, Procter & Gamble achieved continuous innovation.

Alfred Zeien, former chairman of Gillette, emphasized the importance of Esteem in brand building.

An express warranty is a written guarantee that assures the buyer that he or she is getting what he or she has paid for. (TRUE)

An express warranty is a written...