Notes, abstracts, papers, exams and problems of Latin

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

Socio-Cultural Context of 19th-Century Spain

In 19th-century Europe, the bourgeoisie consolidated as the dominant social class, often leaning towards conservative positions. Trade and industry experienced strong growth, leading to the emergence of the urban proletariat. Clashes between workers and the bourgeoisie were constant in the second half of the century. This era also saw the rise of positivism, a philosophy arguing that knowledge must be based on empirical data and observation.

Realism in Literature

The term realism is used in art and literature to designate works that attempt to imitate or accurately depict reality. The primary genre of realism is the novel. Realist writers often viewed the novel as "a mirror along the way," basing their... Continue reading "19th-Century Spanish Literature: Realism and Naturalism" »

Federico Garcia Lorca: Theatrical Conception

Coexistence of Poetry and Reality in His Theater

Themes

The subject matter of Federico Garcia Lorca's plays is deeply unified and not different from what unifies his poetry. Critics have summed it up with different formulas: "the myth of impossible desire," the conflict between reality and desire, and "frustration." Lorca stages various tragic passions condemned to loneliness or death, with love often marked by infertility. This theme appears in several works embodied in women, but its scope is broader than that of a "feminist" theater. It is the tragedy of any person sentenced to a sterile life, a life of vital frustration. What frustrates Lorca's characters is situated on two levels: metaphysical... Continue reading "Federico Garcia Lorca's Theatrical Works: Themes, Career, and Style" »

Luis de Góngora

Along with the popular tradition, classical or Petrarchan, Góngora created the most innovative poetic language of the time. His difficult and minority-focused production led to both rejection and fiery polemics, as well as admiration and followers among his readers.

Poetry

Minor art and poetry of Petrarchan poetry:

• Minor Art: Letrillas, romances, and, above all, satirical and burlesque works.
• Sonnets: Themes of love and encouragement to enjoy life in the Petrarchan line, although amended by the consciousness of time. Others are comical, and a third group deals with disappointment and the transience of life.
• Major Poems: Fable of Polyphemus and Galatea, and Solitudes. Polyphemus is based on the version offered by Ovid. Its main

Popular Lyric Poetry

Characteristics

• Oral transmission
• Use of verse
• Theocentricism: The doctrine that God and religious life should be the center of all human concerns.
• Anonymous authors
• Didactic and moralizing purpose

Jarchas

These short poems have irregular syllabic measure and abundant parallelism. The protagonist is typically a young woman lamenting the absence or infidelity of her lover.

Mio Cid

Song of Exile

King Alfonso VI banishes Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, El Cid, who leaves with his friends and vassals. The Cid and his followers fight the Moors, winning the battle of Alcocer. The first song ends with the Count's release, ashamed of his defeat.

Wedding Song

El Cid conquers Valencia after a two-year siege. A new victory against the Emir of Morocco... Continue reading "Exploring Medieval Spanish Literature" »

Postwar Spanish Theater

The Mester de Clerecía

A new poetic trend emerged in the thirteenth century, aiming to educate about Christian life and culture. This movement is known as the Mester de Clerecía (Ministry of Clergymen).

Leading representatives of this trend were Gonzalo de Berceo and Juan Ruiz, Archpriest of Hita.

Gonzalo de Berceo

Gonzalo de Berceo was the first writer in the Spanish language whose name we know. His most important work is The Miracles of Our Lady (Milagros de Nuestra Señora), which contains 25 short narrative poems (miracles).

Juan Ruiz, Archpriest of Hita

Juan Ruiz, Archpriest of Hita's most important work is The Book of Good Love (Libro de buen amor). It belongs to a time of transition between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Features of

The Experimental Novel (1960-1970)

Time of Silence by Luis Martín Santos (1962), marks the end of social realism and the beginning of a total renovation of the novel. From this point on, authors became increasingly concerned with formal aspects, leading to a renewal of narrative techniques. For the first time in Spain, novelists turned their attention to the innovations that the genre had experienced worldwide since the beginning of the century. The Latin American narrative, formally much more innovative than ours, experienced its famous "boom" with works like: The City and the Dogs (1962) by Mario Vargas Llosa, Hopscotch by Julio Cortázar, and One Hundred Years of Solitude (1967) by Gabriel García Márquez.

Some of the most relevant titles... Continue reading "Spanish Novel Evolution: 1960s to Present" »

Celestina: A Masterpiece of Spanish Literature

Celestina is a masterpiece of literature, written in the late fifteenth century and achieving success in the sixteenth century.

Authorship

The authorship is a subject of debate. The accepted theory suggests two authors. One author wrote the first act, and Fernando de Rojas wrote the rest.

Title Variations

Early editions were titled Calisto and Melibea, but in the sixteenth century, the title changed to Tragicomedy of Callisto and Melibea.

Plot Summary

Callisto, a nobleman, encounters Melibea and becomes infatuated, but she rejects him. Callisto, through his servants, employs a procuress named Celestina. Through her deceptions and spells, Celestina changes Melibea's feelings. Celestina secures her commission... Continue reading "Celestina: Love, Tragedy, and Social Commentary" »

Archpriest Juan Ruiz de Hita and The Book of Good Love

The Book of Good Love is the most important work of the mester de clerecía of the 14th century. The author is known only by what he says in his work, Juan Ruiz, the Archpriest of Hita.

The Book of Good Love refers to the theme of love, both divine and worldly.

Structure

The Book of Good Love begins with a prologue that explains the intent of the work: to warn about the dangers of love.

Style

It is written mostly in cuaderna vía, except for the lyric poems, which are written in short verses.

Alfonso X: Promoting Castilian Spanish

Alfonso X promoted the use of Castilian as a common language between Christians, Jews, and Arabs.

Topics

Alfonso X aimed to record everything of political, social, economic,... Continue reading "Medieval Spanish Literature: Ruiz, Alfonso X & Manuel" »