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

The first half of the twentieth century was a very rich period from a literary point of view. The authors of the Generation of '98 used the genre as a key vehicle of expression, while the authors belonging to the Novecentismo or Generation of '14 intended to seek new narrative forms.

The Novel in the Generation of '98

The novel is the most important genre for many cultured members of this group. The subjects they preferred were Spain, the causes of decay, history, people... further reflection on man and his destiny. These authors did not focus on the history of great characters; an essential element in the novels of the Generation of '98 is the description of the landscape as reflecting a particular mood.

In terms of style, these authors were... Continue reading "Spanish Literary Movements: A Historical Overview" »

**Martí i Pol (1929-2003)**

*Sixties Poetry*

Martí i Pol's poetry is deeply rooted in his experiences. These include a textile conference in his hometown, his working-class status (he worked in a factory), his vocation as a poet, and his experience with multiple sclerosis. His first collections, *El Poble* (*The People*) and *La Fàbrica* (*The Factory*), are considered realistic and historical. In 1970, as his disease progressed, he began a process of introspection that led him to reflect on death, loneliness, and the importance of life. This period produced works like *Vint-i-set poemes en tres temps* (*Twenty-Seven Poems in Three Times*) and *L'arrel i l'escorça* (*The Root and the Bark*). He also wrote *Estimada Marta* (*Beloved Marta*... Continue reading "Catalan Literature: Authors and Works from Post-War to Present" »

Walt Whitman: Poet of the American Spirit

Walt Whitman writes from the viewpoint of the pioneer, the founder of the new American nation and its new espacio vital. His work not only covers the "poetic" but encompasses the entire American community, instilling pride in being part of something larger – a homeland, a universe. His approach balances the epic (as a collective venture) with an intimate and lyrical exaltation of participation. Whitman holds an optimistic view, trusting in the strength of society. His poetry is vital, energetic, and promotes community and nature. Throughout his poems, he spreads faith in humanity and the American citizen. The poetic element binds all his work.

Key Aspects of Leaves of Grass

In Leaves of Grass, Whitman... Continue reading "Poetic Visions: Walt Whitman and Charles Baudelaire" »

L'Atlàntida: Verdaguer's Early Epic

L'Atlàntida aconsegueix els honors dels Jocs Florals, permetent a Jacint Verdaguer dedicar-se exclusivament a ser escriptor. A partir d'aleshores, Verdaguer comença a viatjar i a escriure sobre les seves impressions en prosa. Amb els anys, també s'aprecia la seva paraula poètica religiosa.

En definitiva, L'Atlàntida és un gran poema èpic culte que incorpora la literatura catalana amb una gran construcció narrativa, incloent molts elements de llenguatge popular (com termes de geologia i natura). Amb la seva poesia, Verdaguer volia aconseguir:

• Convèncer la societat.
• Mostrar les seves conclusions religioses.

Canigó: Masterpiece of Catalan Literature

Canigó és un poema èpic que supera L'Atlàntida. Comprèn... Continue reading "Jacint Verdaguer's Epic Poems: L'Atlàntida and Canigó" »

La Celestina (1499)

The play was first published anonymously, attributed to an anonymous author, and focused on the characters of Melibea and Callisto. It consisted of 16 acts. Later, it was attributed to Fernando de Rojas. In 1502, it was printed with a new title, Tragicomedy of Calisto and Melibea, and with 5 new acts. The work is known mainly as La Celestina. La Celestina is a very long work in dialogue. Some consider it a novel, others a play, while others think it is a dialogued novel.

Style: Cultured and popular language.

Characters: Divided into two groups: the upper class, such as Calisto and Melibea, and the popular class, such as Celestina, prostitutes, and servants.

Topics: Love, death, greed, selfishness, avarice, class struggle.

The

Context H: XVI / France - Enrique II, absolutism. Mazarin continued the policy of Richelieu, King Louis XIV's hegemony. Context LIT: Plays, playwrights, modalities, dramaturgy. French classical tragedy follows Greco-Roman canons, influenced by Euripides and Seneca. In French theater (Baroque-Alexandrine), characters do not succumb to the blind forces of fate or destiny. There are no chorus scenes of blood, and no disappointment in love. Tragedy: Corneille's The Cid (arbiter of French tragedy) / Horace, Cinna (problematic Cid) / after the death of Pompey, Richelieu's

The Convention of Vergara: A Pivotal Agreement

The legal agreement and transactions between General Rafael Maroto and General Baldomero Espartero, culminating in the Convention of Vergara, marked a significant turning point in Spain's First Carlist War, leading to a liberal outcome.

Key Figures in the Agreement

• General Baldomero Espartero: A prominent Liberal commander, Espartero had achieved significant victories, such as at the Battle of Luchana in 1836. He later became regent following the resignation of Maria Cristina. His regency, however, became increasingly dictatorial, leading to events like the bombing of Barcelona. He was eventually deposed and went into exile, largely influenced by British pressure.
• Lieutenant General Rafael Maroto:

The Life and Death in the Poetry of Miguel Hernández

Many have noted the relationship between biography and lyrical creation. The life of Miguel Hernández is a prime example: passions, jail, and death of a poet.

The work of Miguel Hernández is like a life: start-ups, youthful drive, and personal affirmation that leads to accepting life as punishment.

Early Poems: Vitality and Optimism

From the first poems to "The Lightning That Never Stops," there's a conscious disregard, carefree vitalism, and natural optimism. His life goes one way, and his work another.

Nature and Death

Many poems pay homage to nature: plants, rocks, bugs, etc., from the orchards of Orihuela. Miguel picks up things as if they were alive; death does not diminish the beauty of... Continue reading "Miguel Hernández: Life, Death, and Poetry's Tragic Beauty" »

Authorship and Editions of La Celestina

Text and Authorship: The work, often referred to simply as La Celestina, appeared in two main editions:

• Comedy of Calisto and Melibea (Toledo, 1500). The author of the first act remains anonymous, but the subsequent 15 acts were written by Fernando Rojas (identified via acrostics).
• Tragicomedy of Calisto and Melibea (Zaragoza, 1507). This edition includes the Treaty of Centurio and expands the work.

Genre and Literary Context

The genre is Dramatic, conveyed entirely through dialogue. It was inspired by the Italian humanistic comedy of the 14th and 15th centuries.

Humanistic Traits in La Celestina

• Focus on reality: large and mobile representation of life.
• Simple, everyday plot development.
• Interest primarily in

Baroque Literature in 17th Century Spain

LITERATURE T-4: The Baroque: A cultural movement that developed in Spain in the 17th century. The awareness generated by the crisis, pessimism, and disappointment gave rise to existential angst.

It produced one of the most splendid historical moments in literature and the arts. Baroque aesthetic concepts are transformed into momentum builders and great contrasts. Baroque literature aims to surprise and impress, and the ideal of the authors is the keenness of wit.

Baroque Lyric Poetry and Literary Movements

Baroque Lyric Poets (17th Century), Culteranismo, and Conceptismo

• Conceptismo: Aims for a dense and complicated content that surprises the reader with wordplay, achieving condensation and meaning.
• Culteranismo: