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

T.S. Eliot's Influence on Literary Criticism

T.S. Eliot was an influential figure in literature. While the literary canon naturally changes with society, Eliot managed single-handedly to modify the canon of English literature through his criticism.

Revitalizing and Reshaping the Canon

He revitalized whole periods of English literature that were almost forgotten, including:

• The Jacobean drama
• Metaphysical poets
• John Dryden
• The poetry of Dante
• Symbolist poetry

However, he also criticized Romantic poetry, managing to impose a dislike for it because he felt it descended into sentimentalism.

Eliot's Critical Concepts

He introduced a series of critical concepts that have exerted an enormous influence on how criticism was conducted in the 20th century. For Eliot,... Continue reading "T.S. Eliot's Critical Theories and Literary Impact" »

The Cultural Scope of Romanticism

Romanticism was not merely a literary movement; it profoundly influenced painting, philosophy, music, religion, and the arts. Consequently, it is accurate to define Romanticism as a comprehensive cultural movement. This period sought to address significant societal shifts.

Drivers of Change in the Romantic Era

The era was defined by transformative events:

• Politics: The American War of Independence.
• Philosophy and Science: A reaction against rationalism.
• Arts and Literature: The decline of classical antiquity's authority.
• Music: A newfound emphasis on emotions, passions, and sentiments.
• Religion: The emergence of the evangelical revival.

Coleridge and the Conversational Poem

Conversational poems refer to a collection... Continue reading "Romanticism: A Cultural Shift in Art, Philosophy and Literature" »

Victorian Evangelicals in Literature

Evangelicals were the most satirized religious group during the Victorian period. These characters were pious, as they showed reverence for God and wished to fulfill their religious obligations. It was not easy to criticize them because they were intelligent and cultivated people. However, they were often considered emotionally inadequate, hypocritical, and smug because they viewed themselves as purer and better than others—a trait exemplified by the figure of Brocklehurst in Jane Eyre.

Moreover, they are usually presented as negative characters who attempt to destroy all positive aspects of life. Evangelical characters are often depicted as oppressors of children and appear in novels such as David Copperfield,... Continue reading "Victorian Evangelicals and Romantic Poetry Analysis" »

Common Speech: The Basis of Poetry

For T.S. Eliot, poetry is language. Wordsworth stated that it was the language spoken by people, but later we find the verbose, rhetoric, and so on. After the 19th century, Eliot and Pound wanted to simplify expressions again and resorted to the colloquial language spoken by everyone. Eliot's works do not always represent the language of the streets. Of Dante, he said that poetry is a perfection of common language. Of Dryden, he said that he restored English verse. His biggest enemy was John Milton, because he wrote as if he were writing in Latin.

His Idea of Literary Tradition

Eliot considers that the poet's role and obligation is to express his epoch in his poems. The poet writes poems, and it is sufficient

Turnus Hears the City's Grief (Lines 614–625)

Meanwhile, in the outermost plain, the warlike Turnus followed a few men of his wondering force, now slower and less happy with the approach of the horses. The breeze brought a mixed shout to him, filling him with blind terrors. The sound of the confused city and the joyless murmurs struck his ears, having been heightened.

“Alas for me! Why are the walls distributed with so much grief? What great clamor rushes from the far-off city?”

Thus he spoke, halting, distracted, with the reins drawn up. His sister, Juturna, turned into the appearance of his charioteer Metiscus, controlling the chariot, horses, and reins, replied to him with such words:

Juturna's Deception and Turnus's Recognition (Lines

Walt Whitman: The Poet of America

He was known as the city’s poet. Whitman moved to Washington D.C. to be closer to the conflict of the Civil War, where he notably helped in the hospitals.

Leaves of Grass (1855)

• Published in 1855, this work went through 9 editions during his lifetime.
• Whitman continuously added and changed poems, dying without finishing the collection.

Symbolism in the Title

The title itself holds significant meaning:

• Grass: Represents the micro-level (journalist jargon for small, discarded writings) and the little things that were not considered news. Whitman rescues these ideas.
• Leaves: Represents the macro-level.
• The title signifies the unity of multitude, relating nature and literature.

Poetic Innovation: Free Verse

Whitman is credited... Continue reading "Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson: Pioneers of American Poetry" »

Tirant lo Blanch stands as one of the most significant books written in Valencian. Penned by Joanot Martorell in the 15th century, this remarkable work is an unusual chivalric novel, distinguished by its naturalistic and satirical character. It also appears to contain a strong autobiographical component, offering a unique glimpse into its author's world.

The Adventures of Knight Tirant lo Blanc

The novel recounts the feats and adventures of Knight Tirant lo Blanc from Brittany. Intriguingly, the narrative often parallels the life and exploits of Roger de Flor, the prominent leader of the mercenary Company of Almogàvers. This historical company fought extensively in Asia Minor and Greece, both for and against the Emperor of Byzantium.

Historical

ADDITION

Moreover, beside, furthermore, in addition (además), and also (y también), likewise (asimismo), as well as (como también), not only...but also (no solo...sino que también), further (mas aun), another (otro), still another (aun otro), last but not least (ultimo pero no menos importante).

RESULT

so (asi que, entonces), therefore (por lo tanto), hence (de ahí que), thus (asi), consequently, as a consequence (como consecuencia), for this reason (por esta razón), as a result (como resultado), so that (de manera que), that’s why (por eso es que), accordingly (por consiguiente), so...that (tan...que), such (a)...tan (tan...que), nevertheless (no obstante).

PURPOSE

in order to (con el fin de), in order that (con el fin de que), for the... Continue reading "Connecting Words and Phrases in Spanish - A Comprehensive Guide" »

Vocabulary Definitions

• Annular - (adj) ring-shaped
• Apiary - (n) a place where bees are kept and tended
• Apocalyptic - (adj) relating to a revelation
• Apostasy - (n) abandonment of faith or dedication to basic beliefs
• Append - (v) to attach, add
• Auspices - (n) patronage, sponsorship
• Brusque - (adj) abrupt, rough in speech or manner
• Bucolic - (adj) of the countryside
• Cabal - (n) a group of people engaged in intrigue
• Cache - (n) a secret place for hiding supplies, food, etc.
• Cairn - (n) a heap of stones marking a special site
• Codicil - (n) a supplementary statement, especially as in a will
• Dissimulate - (v) to mask or confuse by false appearance
• Dissipate - (v) to cause to disappear; to scatter
• Eclectic - (adj) chosen or selected from various sources
• Ecumenical

The Roman Republic (509-27 BC)

Political Changes and Institutions

During this period, Rome became a republic. Power was divided among three main institutions:

• Comitia: Comprised of all Roman citizens, its functions were to pass laws and elect the magistrates.
• Magistrates: Elected annually, these officials held specific roles:
  • Consul: Commanded the army.
  • Praetor: Oversaw justice.
  • Censor: Maintained the list of citizens.
  • Aedile: Managed the police and public works.
  • Quaestor: Handled taxes.
  • Plebeian Tribune: Defended the rights of the plebeians.
• Senate: Composed of 300 former magistrates, its functions were to approve laws passed by the Comitia, control the magistrates, and decide on foreign policy.

Initially, only patricians held political rights. The plebeians... Continue reading "The Roman Republic and Empire: From Senate to Emperor" »