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

20th Century Latin American Novels

Modernism in Latin American novels of the twentieth century evolved from the beginning of the century, with various currents that approached the American experience. Notable works include Don Segundo Sombra by Ricardo Güiraldes and Doña Bárbara by Rómulo Gallegos.

The Social Novel

The social novel depicts social conflict within Latin American countries, particularly highlighting the Mexican Revolution.

The Indianist Social Novel

The Indianist social novel focuses on the problems of indigenous peoples and mestizos, who constituted the majority of the population in some areas and suffered oppression and exploitation. An example is Huasipungo by Jorge Icaza, characterized by its realistic and naturalistic style.... Continue reading "20th Century Latin American Novels: Modernism and Magic Realism" »

St. John of the Cross

A Carmelite friar who, along with St. Teresa of Ávila (Teresa of Jesus), participated in the reform of the Carmelite Order. He studied in Salamanca.

His poetry often follows the line of Garcilaso. He wrote notes comparing the mystical vision and experience of God to the union of two lovers, which makes his work highly allegorical. His three major works include:

• Dark Night of the Soul
• Spiritual Canticle
• Living Flame of Love

Asceticism and Mysticism

Asceticism involves a lifestyle based on the rejection of material goods, characterized by simplicity, humility, and the absence of luxuries.

For the ascetic, self-sacrifice is the first step towards mysticism, whose aim is the union of the soul with God through three ways (or stages)... Continue reading "Spanish Renaissance & Baroque Poets: Key Figures & Styles" »

Ramon Llull

Born in Mallorca in 1232. His primary mission was to convert unbelievers, writing books to spread the Christian faith, and creating schools to train missionaries. Died in 1315.

Characteristics of Llull's Prose

• Use of subordination
• Achievement of maturity in the Catalan language
• Rigorous and precise syntax
• Rich vocabulary
• Use of Catalan to address issues previously reserved for Latin

Narrative Works

Includes Llibre d'Evast e Blanquerna and the Book of Wonders (Llibre de meravelles). Their purpose is to illustrate his teaching; these books tell the journey of young men in search of ideals.

Didactic, Philosophical, and Religious Work

Promotes Christian piety and propagates his 'Art'.

Political and Social Themes

Yearning for a better society with... Continue reading "Medieval Catalan Literature: Llull, March, and Genres" »

The Contemporary Novel: Context and Influences

Social and Cultural Transformations

• Advances in technology and science (e.g., automobiles).
• Rapid industrial and urban growth.
• Crisis of Positivism and Rationalism.

Changes in Spain: The 1898 Disaster

• The Disaster of 1898.
• General backwardness of the country.
• Calls for material reforms.

The Generation of '98: Defining Spanish Literature

The term "Generation of '98" designates a group of Spanish writers who began publishing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This name originates from a significant historical event: the Disaster of 1898.

Key Characteristics and Concerns

All these writers shared a common attitude of protest against society and the prevailing state of literature. Among their primary concerns... Continue reading "The Generation of '98: Literary and Historical Context" »

Spain in the 18th Century

Spain was in deep crisis due to the War of the Spanish Succession. Philip V of Bourbon finally took the throne. His reign, along with that of Ferdinand VI, led to greater stability. During the reign of Charles IV, Godoy was prominent, whose poor policies had serious consequences. In this century, Spain experienced an economic upswing. Enlightened reforms sought to improve the economy, promoting the figure of the merchant, but industry remained poor. Society was still based on estates, with a loosely organized bourgeoisie (composed of artisans and merchants), peasants, beggars, slaves, etc. Despite reforms intended to undermine these differences, they persisted. The reforms also focused on education and the economy.... Continue reading "Spanish Literature and History: 18th and 19th Centuries" »

Hindu Literature

Appeared 4,000 years ago and began to be written in the Sanskrit language. This literature is sometimes referred to as "Sanskrit."

Key Characteristics

Had origins in popular sentiment, through which councils sought to answer vital questions, expressing the prevailing mood. Spirituality was a fundamental aspect of its development.

Vedic Period

Literature prior to the 4th century BCE. Its most representative works include The Vedas and the Brahmanas, embodying wisdom and religious principles.

Epic Period

Known for two major epics:

• Mahabharata: A vast epic poem.
• Ramayana: A mythological poem of 24,000 verses divided into seven songs. It describes the journey of Rama to Lanka (Ceylon) against the giant Ravana, who had stolen his wife Sita.

The Roman Monarchy

Roman kings were advised by patricians. Key figures include:

• Romulus: Creator of the Senate and the first laws.
• Numa Pompilius: Pious and peace-loving, he introduced the lunar calendar and the Vestal Virgins.
• Tullus Hostilius: Led military campaigns to prevail upon their neighbors; he conquered Alba Longa and transferred its population to Rome.
• Ancus Marcius: Extended the limits of the city.
• Tarquinius Priscus: The start of the Etruscan dynasty, he brought changes in social policy and economic activity. Major public works in Rome were initiated, such as the Cloaca Maxima, Circus Maximus, and the Capitoline Temple of Jupiter.
• Servius Tullius: Prepared a census of citizens, assigned civil and military functions to social classes,

Rafael Alberti

Born in Puerto de Santa María, Alberti later moved to Madrid with his family. His first poems blended avant-garde styles with traditional lyricism and echoes of Bécquer. In 1925, he received the National Literature Award for Marinero en tierra. A profound emotional crisis in 1927 led him to María Teresa León, with whom he lived until returning to Spain in 1977, where he eventually passed away. Alberti explored diverse themes and poetic forms throughout his career. His poetry reflects his life experiences, focusing on:

• Nostalgia for a lost paradise
• Anxiety caused by the loss of this paradise
• Social commentary

Alberti's poetry is characterized by vivid imagery, musicality, and rich connotations. His poetic trajectory can be divided... Continue reading "Two Giants of Spanish Poetry: Alberti and Cernuda" »

Courtly Literature and Folk Poetry

Courtly literature reflects the noble class undergoing a profound transformation of its customs and procedures. Around the king and great literary masters, a new ideal emerges, anticipating the Renaissance perfect gentleman. There is a strong relationship between literature and courtly life.

Court Poetry

Court poetry served as learned counsel for the minority at court and was collected in songbooks and poetry anthologies, showcasing the works of numerous authors. The influence of Provencal troubadour literature led to the development of courtly love poetry. Moral didactic poetry, also inspired by love, addressed lofty themes with a solemn and sententious tone.

Italian Renaissance Influence

Echoes of the great Italian... Continue reading "Courtly Literature and Traditional Folk Poetry: A Study" »

Spanish Theater: Post-War to Contemporary Eras

In Europe, including renovated theater (like the theater of the absurd), and in Spain, conventional theater flourished.

1. Post-War Theater: High Comedy

This theater depicts characters, often from the middle class, without significant economic problems. Topics include love, infidelity, and parent-child conflicts, all presented with a comedic tone. Notable playwrights include:

• José María Pemán
• Joaquín Calvo Sotelo

2. Renewed Humor Theater

This genre is based on the improbable and the absurd, often critically engaging with bourgeois conventions through its language. Key figures:

• Enrique Jardiel Poncela

  His works delve into timeless conflicts, often using characters as a stage for the absurd. His humor