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

Realism: Philosophical and Cultural Foundations

The early Realism art movement began to dominate, heavily influenced by philosophical Positivism. For Positivism, reality is limited to perceived facts and empirical study; other forms of research are not considered empirical. During the second half of the century, Marxism also gained significant influence.

Main Features of Realistic Literature

• Observation and accurate description of reality.
• Focus on factual representation.
• Frequent purpose of social and political criticism.
• Simple and sober style, rejecting romantic rhetoric.
• Clarity and accuracy.
• Preference for the novel form.

Characteristics of the Realistic Novel

• Likelihood: Stories are based on everyday experiences.
• Individual or Collective Protagonists:

Characteristics of Spanish Romanticism

Spanish Romanticism, a vibrant literary movement, championed freedom in literature, art, industry, and commerce. It emphasized significant originality and individualism. The romantic style was lively and rhetorical, designed to highlight the author's intense feelings.

Core Themes and Attitudes

• The Revolt: Many texts featured marginalized characters, symbolizing a rebellious attitude against societal norms.
• The Escape: Confronting the realities of society often led to themes of evasion or a longing for remote locations.
• The Projection of Nature: Nature was frequently expressed through the author's sentiments, reflecting inner turmoil or peace.
• Nationalism: A deep appreciation for genuine manifestations of the

Chapter 1: Developments in the Channel in the 16th Century

The third-person narrator tells the story, seemingly drawing information from various sources or authors.

Chapters XI-XIV: Encounters with Goatherds

What era are we referring to? What were its characteristics? How was life lived? It refers to a primitive era where freedom, honesty, and beauty took precedence. The current difference is that these values are lost, and the errant knight must restore them.

Theory: Style

Part 1 was published in 1605, and Part 2 in 1615.

The False Quixote

In 1614, a false Quixote, signed by Avellaneda, capitalized on the success of the first part and insulted Cervantes in the prologue.

Genesis and Intention

"History of a crazy-wise man who, invoking his madness, tells... Continue reading "Don Quixote: Reason, Idealism, and Spanish Society" »

The October Revolution and Birth of the USSR

Between September and November, the Bolsheviks emerged as the primary alternative to the Provisional Government. The Petrograd Soviet, headed by Leon Trotsky, along with the Moscow Soviet and other urban centers, sided with the Bolsheviks.

Prelude to Revolution: Russia in Crisis

Conditions of life notably worsened in Russia due to widespread shortages and administrative chaos.

Lenin's Return and Bolshevik Strategy

Lenin took advantage of this chaos to return to Petrograd from his exile. The Bolshevik leadership convinced their comrades to adopt the principle of armed insurrection. The Petrograd uprising was strategically deferred to coincide with the opening of the Second All-Russian Congress of Soviets... Continue reading "The October Revolution: Russia's Path to the Soviet Union" »

Unamuno

Unamuno's early work criticized the Spanish situation, looking to Europe as a model. Later, he explored the sense of existence, religious faith, and survival after death.

Works

• Test: Explored casticismo (intrahistory).
• Spanish travels and visions: Subjective views of the Spanish landscape.
• The life of Don Quixote and Sancho: Explored the tragic sense of life.
• The agony of Christianity: Examined the philosopher's condition, distresses, obsessions, search for God, immortality, and the struggle between reason and faith.

Novel

Unamuno called his new type of novel "Nivola," characterized by minimal action, dialogues, and interior monologues. Examples include:

• San Manuel Bueno, Martyr (loss of faith of a priest)
• Fog (Augusto Perez)

Ramón Maria del

Superstratum: External Linguistic Influences

A superstratum refers to the linguistic influences received from the language of a people who seize a territory during its formation, without replacing the existing language. For instance, the islands were occupied by the Vandals, leaving a superstratum influence.

Germanic Superstratum

In the Catalan lexicon, we find many words of Germanic origin, such as flag, war, and back.

Arabic Superstratum

Territories in the Arab domain were under influence for approximately three centuries. However, not all invaded lands remained under Arabic influence for the same duration. The introduction of Arabisms occurred primarily in territories under Islamic domination.

From Latin to Catalan: Language Evolution

The loss... Continue reading "Linguistic Foundations of Catalan: Superstratum and Substratum" »

Eduardo Pondal: Life and Literary Contributions

Eduardo Pondal (Ponteceso, 1835 - Madrid, 1917) began his studies with a bachelor's degree in 1848, followed by medicine and literature. He was proficient in Latin. He participated in the Lyceum Youth feast in Conxo and was associated with the Cova Celtic.

Pondal's Work

His work can be divided into two periods:

• First Period (1854-1868): Marked by a romantic trend, including the campaign of Anllóns in 1858 and contributions to the Obras Completas Anotadas de Eduardo Pondal (OAE) in 1992.
• Second Period (1877-1886): The era of regionalism, featuring works like Rumores de los Pinos (1877) and Queixumes dos Pinos (1886).

Os Eoas: An Epic Poem

Os Eoas, an epic poem, reflects Pondal's evolving thought. It... Continue reading "Galician Literature: 19th Century Authors and Works" »

1. Lyric Poetry

1.1. Popular Castilian Lyrics

As discussed previously, popular lyrics existed before the 15th century, which marks the beginning of written records. These lyrics were preserved through various songbooks of the period. These compositions are simple yet beautiful and lyrically dense. Their meter is irregular, with a tendency towards 6 to 8 syllables per line. The central theme is love.

One popular lyric form is the carol, which has the following structure:

• Opening lines forming a repeating chorus
• A stanza of 4 verses
• Two or more linking lines, one rhyming with the stanza and another with the chorus

Carols were often used in Christmas scenes. These traditional compositions were highly valued in the 17th century, with Lope de Vega incorporating... Continue reading "15th-Century Spanish Lyric Poetry: An In-Depth Look" »

Cantar de Mio Cid

Date of Composition and Authorship

Cantar de Mio Cid was written in the late twelfth or early thirteenth century. Although traditionally attributed to Per Abbad, it is now believed he was merely a copyist. The current consensus is that the poem was composed by two minstrels.

Structure

The poem is divided into three parts (or "cantares"):

• Cantar del Destierro (Song of Exile)
• Cantar de las Bodas (Song of the Weddings)
• Cantar de la Afrenta de Corpes (Song of the Corpes Affront)

Metrics and Style

• Epic Epithets: Adjectives used to highlight the characteristics of the hero.
• Pleonasms: Used to give expression to the text.
• Appeals to the Audience: Used to keep the audience's attention.
• Use of Arabic expressions and particles like "Oh!"
• Frequent

Ramón María del Valle-Inclán: Satire and Symbolism

Valle-Inclán also authored the trilogy "Mardi Gras," composed of Los cuernos de Don Friolera (Don Friolera's Horns), Las galas del difunto (The Deceased's Finery), and La hija del Capitán (The Captain's Daughter). This series offers a satirical vision of deeply ingrained Spanish themes such as honor and philandering. Additionally, he created a series of five pieces under the common denomination of "Retablo de la avaricia, la lujuria y la muerte" (Altar of Greed, Lust, and Death).

Federico García Lorca: Poetic Drama and Social Commentary

Lorca's work is not only essentially poetic due to the abundant use of verse but also because of its compelling arguments and evocative language. His recurring... Continue reading "Spanish Literary Masters: Valle-Inclán and Federico García Lorca's Dramatic Legacy" »