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

Chronicle of James I (1208-1276)

The Chronicle of James I is an autobiographical account, presented in chronological order, of the events spanning from James I's birth to the territorial conquests of Majorca, Ibiza, Valencia, and Murcia. It details his challenges with the nobility and political pacts with Castile. The language is vivid and expressive, employing the majestic "we".

Bernat Desclot Chronicle (Late 13th Century)

This chronicle, traditionally attributed to Bernat Desclot, though likely written by an officer of the court, focuses on the reign of Peter II (1276-1285). It highlights significant episodes from the King's campaign in Sicily. The narrator uses the third person, providing an external perspective that lends an air of objectivity.... Continue reading "Catalan Medieval Literature and Historical Chronicles" »

Latin American Narrative in the Second Half of the 20th Century

Latin American narrative in the second half of the 20th century is not rooted in the tradition of the classical Spanish novel, realistic, or prior to the Civil War. Instead, it shows a great sensitivity to the transformation called the *metamorphosis of the novel*, which occurred at the hands of great European and American authors of the early 20th century, such as Joyce, Kafka, Proust, Musil, and Faulkner.

Experimental Novel and Magical Realism

Therefore, it can be described as an *experimental novel*, equivalent to what the Anglo world calls "modern", as it shows a particular sensitivity to the revolution of the aforementioned viewpoint. But it also expresses a world of very different... Continue reading "Latin American Narrative: Transformation and Magical Realism" »

14th-Century Spanish Literature

The Book of Good Love and the Archpriest of Hita

Juan Ruiz, the Archpriest of Hita, wrote the brilliant and original Book of Good Love in the 14th century. While its structure could be categorized within the mester de clerecía (clerical verse tradition), its themes stray from the didacticism typical of that style.

We know very little about the author beyond his name. However, his work reveals a vital, humorous individual with sincere piety. This suggests a strong autobiographical element, allowing the reader to connect with an author deeply familiar with both popular and learned literature.

Book of Good Love

Theme:

Written in verse with a predominantly narrative style, the Book of Good Love shares characteristics... Continue reading "14th-Century Spanish Literature: The Book of Good Love & Don Juan Manuel" »

Miguel de Cervantes: Literary Contributions

Poetry: Journey to Parnassus

Cervantes' poetic work includes Journey to Parnassus, a satirical allegorical poem.

Theater: Evolution and Innovation

Cervantes' theatrical career evolved through two distinct stages:

• First Stage: Classical Influence

  Followed classical rules, emphasizing respect for dramatic conventions. An example is Numancia.

• Second Stage: Lope de Vega's Influence

  Departed from strict classical rules, influenced by the popular theater of Lope de Vega. Cervantes wrote eight comedies during this period.

He also introduced Entremeses (interludes), short, popular comic plays performed between acts of a longer comedy, often featuring well-known comic characters.

Novels: A Master of Narrative Genres

Cervantes... Continue reading "Masterpieces of Spanish Golden Age Literature: Cervantes, Lazarillo, Don Quijote" »

Cesar's Clever Tactic

Caesar believed he had found a clever tactic. He had arrived hoping to finish the campaign without struggle and without injury. Having intercepted the enemies of the wheat supply from their homes, he questioned why he should lose some of his own men even in friendly matches. Why suffer being hurt?

Encouraging His People to Find Fresh Water

After delivering this speech among his people, Caesar agitated the minds of all. He gave an assignment to the centurions to interrupt their current works and devote their efforts to digging wells, not disturbing any part of the night time. Having undertaken this task and brought all the animals for work, one night a freshwater stream was found.

The Cavalry of the Germans and Numerical Superiority

The... Continue reading "Key Moments in Roman Military Campaigns and History" »

Significance and Function

As Greek culture evolved, it increasingly sought the perfection of images. Since most sculptures were created for shrines or cities, maximum realism was sought as a representative token.

Historical Context

It is very possible that Hermes with Infant Dionysus was sculpted to commemorate the peace between Elis and Arcadia, as Dionysus was the first patron of Elis and Hermes the second patron of Arcadia.

Symbolism and Dualism

The group is dualistic: it perfectly contrasts maturity and balance (represented by Hermes) with the immaturity and imbalance of Dionysus. In fact, it can be seen as a symbol of the world, as Hermes and Dionysus play just like the gods play with human destiny.

Mythological Narrative

Dionysus, son of Zeus... Continue reading "Praxiteles' Hermes and Infant Dionysus Sculpture" »

Medieval Spanish Literature Foundations

The Jarchas: Early Romance Lyric Poetry

The jarchas are short songs from the 11th and 12th centuries written in Mozarabic. They represent the earliest manifestation of Romance lyric poetry in Spain. They consist of a few verses placed at the end of Arabic and Hebrew poems called moaxajas. In these verses, a woman, often addressing an informant (like her mother or sister), expresses her feelings about love.

Galician-Portuguese Lyric Poetry

Galician-Portuguese lyric poetry was influenced by the learned and courtly poetry cultivated in Provence (France) and developed during the 13th and 14th centuries.

Types of Cantigas

• Cantigas de amigo: Love poems with an intimate tone. Similar to the jarchas, a young woman

Roman Theater

It is a literary genre of ancient Roman literature. It emerges from the adaptation of Roman schemes observed in Greek dramatic theaters. The Greek colonies in Italy, attracted by its beauty, copied schemes of tragedy and comedy.

Dramatic Manifestations:

• The Atellans: Improvised representations with humorous and burlesque themes. The characters were fixed, and characteristics were determined.
• Fescennine Verses: Representations of dialogue full of irony during games. The actors wore masks.
• Mime: Actors and actresses representing eroticism with comic situations.
• Pantomime: Dramatic pieces based on dance and mime, represented by a single actor embodying the various characters in the play.

Roman Comedy

Based on Greek New Comedy, it adapts... Continue reading "Roman Theater: Comedy, Tragedy, and Key Playwrights" »

Song of the Mio Cid

Model Values:

• Loyalty to the King: El Cid is faithful and loyal to the king. El Cid undertakes a war policy that leads him to conquer Valencia.
• Consideration and Honor: Rodrigo gets the royal pardon and his daughters marry into royal lineages, wedding the princes of Navarre and Aragon.
• Personal Effort and Faith in God: Based on personal effort, Rodrigo's virtue stems from Christian faith, loyalty to his king, justice towards his subjects, love for his family, and courage under fire.
• Measure: In all his actions, the Cid is wise and shows affection appropriately.

Authorship and Composition Date

The Song of the Cid is preserved in a manuscript that ends with a note stating that Per Abbat wrote it in May of the year XLV.

Structure of

Modernism: Key Features

Key Features: Modernists embraced beauty in all forms, focusing on creating beautiful objects and spaces, and expressing intense feelings and emotions. They contrasted vulgarity with the aristocratic, often symbolized by the swan. Their rejection of the reality they inhabited led to a fascination with the past (classical world, myths, medieval, Renaissance, 18th century, and Hispanic past) and distant, exotic lands.

Issues at the End of the Century

Issues at the End of the Century: Spain faced a profound political and social crisis in the late 19th century, culminating in the Disaster of 1898 (Spain's military defeat by the U.S. after the Cuban insurrection), which resulted in the loss of its last colonial possessions (... Continue reading "Modernism and the Crisis of the 19th Century in Spain" »