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

Key Characteristics of Modernist Novels

The literary works of the early 20th century often feature a deeply poetic tone and profound philosophical connotations. These elements are central to understanding the innovative approaches of authors like James Joyce, Katherine Mansfield, and Virginia Woolf.

James Joyce: Irish Modernist Pioneer

Born in Dublin in 1882 and passing away in Zurich in 1941, James Joyce was an influential Irish Catholic (Jesuit-educated) novelist and poet. His works are deeply shaped by two fundamental components: his Jesuit upbringing and the city of Dublin, both of which he sought to escape. He lived abroad in Trieste, Paris, and Zurich.

Notable Works by James Joyce

• Dubliners (1914): A collection of 15 poignant sketches depicting

The Founding of Rome: Between Myth and Reality

The traditional date for the founding of the greatest city of the Western world was the product of guesswork by Roman writers of the late centuries BC, working backward from their own time. There were reports of kings of Rome in the early days before the last of them, Tarquin the Proud, was expelled and the Roman Republic was founded, which was believed to have happened in 510 BC. Allowing for the reigns of Tarquin's predecessors carried the calculation back some two to three hundred years. After ranging shots by various writers, the author Varro, greatly respected for his learning in the first century BC, settled on the year 753 BC, which became the accepted, official date. All subsequent dates... Continue reading "Ancient Rome's Founding: Myths and History" »

Coleridge centered on the ideal of Romanticism, representing the self.

• Description of the supernatural
• Individuality represented by dreams

These poets embody the movement in literary terms. For Coleridge, poetry is the exponent of Romanticism and is represented as the priority of English literature (a cultural interpretation). The poets consider themselves a kind of leader who helps to understand society. The poet is the one who teaches and guides, leading others to the truth.

Poetry explains to people how the world works. It is a vital way of teaching. Every poet interprets Romanticism in a very different way. The Romantic elements are seen from different points of view as they structure their Romanticism. Wordsworth and Coleridge use very different... Continue reading "Coleridge and Wordsworth: Romanticism, Language, and Imagination" »

Modernism in American Literature (1915-1945)

Historical Context of Modernism

• Overwhelming technological changes
• World War I: The first war of mass destruction
• Grief over loss of past; fear of eroding traditions
• Rise of youth culture

Modernist Literary Style and Genre

• Dominant mood: alienation and disconnection
• Writing highly experimental: use of fragments, stream of consciousness, interior dialogue
• Writers sought to create a unique style

Key Modernist Writers

• Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961)

  • Writing style: concise, direct, spare, objective, precise, rhythmic
  • Major works include The Sun Also Rises, A Farewell to Arms, For Whom the Bell Tolls, The Old Man and the Sea
  • A larger-than-life hero: big game hunter, sport fisherman, headliner; won Pulitzer Prize and Nobel

Contemporary Literature (1945-Present)

Historical Context

• Media-Saturated Culture: People observe life as media presents it rather than experiencing life directly.
• Value Relativity: Insistence that values are not permanent but only "local" or "historical"; media culture interprets values.
• Post-WWII Prosperity: The economic boom following the Second World War.
• New Era: People beginning a new century and a new millennium.
• Social Protest: Increased movements advocating for social change.

Genre and Style Characteristics

• Blurred Reality: Lines between reality and fantasy are blurred; mix of fantasy and nonfiction.
• Anti-Heroes: Absence of traditional heroes, featuring anti-heroes instead.
• Individual Isolation: Concern with the individual in isolation.
• Tone:

Essential English Vocabulary & Grammar

Key Vocabulary: English-Catalan

Agreement

acord

Appearance

aspecte

Argument

discussió

Athletic build

complexió atlètica

Attraction

atracció

Average height

alçada mitjana

Awareness

consciència

Body language

llenguatge corporal

Brilliant

brillant, genial

Can’t believe one’s eyes

no poder creure el que es veu

Clever

intel·ligent

Compatibility

compatibilitat

Confidence

confiança

Curly

arrissat

Date

cita

Dating site

lloc web de contactes

Description

descripció

Enjoyment

plaer

Every now and then

de tant en tant

Fair

clara

Fall out

barallar-se

Feel uncomfortable

sentir-se incòmode

Focus on

concentrar-se en

Friendship

amistat

Frown

arrufar nas o celles

Get

tenir

Get along

avenir-se

Get it right

encertar-ho

Get to know

arribar a conèixer

Go on a diet

posar-

What is Parallelism?

Parallelism is a rhetorical device that involves repeating a grammatical structure.

How Did Dr. King Define Just Laws?

Dr. King defined just laws as laws made by a majority that apply to everyone and that respect human dignity.

How Does King View Time?

King views time as a neutral force that must be used proactively to create change.

Why Was King Arrested?

King was arrested for violating a moratorium on demonstrations.

What Did King Think About Being Told to Wait for His Rights?

King believed that African Americans had already waited almost 400 years for their rights and that no rights had ever been gained without demanding them.

What Does Retaliate Mean?

Retaliate means to make an attack in return for a similar attack.

Was Dr. King'

Understanding Prefixes, Roots, and Suffixes

Prefixes

Prefixes are added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning. Here are some common prefixes:

1. Anti-, Counter-, Contra-: Opposed to, against
2. Bi-: Having two
3. Circum-: Around, about
4. Com-, Con-, Col-, Cor-: With, together
5. En-: To change to
6. Ex-: Former, previous
7. In-, Im-, Il-, Ir-, Un-: Not, not having, lacking
8. Non-: Not, lacking
9. Per-: All over, very
10. Pre-: Before
11. Trans-: Across, beyond, through
12. Uni-: Single, one
13. Ab-: Away, from
14. Ad-: Motion to, increase in
15. De-: Down, away
16. In-, Im-: In, into
17. Inter-: Between
18. Mis-: Wrong, wrongly
19. Post-: After
20. Pro-: Favoring, forward, for
21. Re-: Again, back
22. Semi-: Half, partly
23. Sub-: Less, beneath, somewhat, later
24. Super-: Over, above, beyond

Roots

Roots are the core of a word, carrying the... Continue reading "Essential Guide to Prefixes, Roots, and Suffixes" »

The Founding of Rome: Legend and History

• Legendary Account: According to the legend, Rome was founded by the brothers Romulus and Remus, born of the union between Mars, god of war, and the daughter of an Etruscan king. They were raised by wolves. As adults, the two brothers had an argument which ended in Romulus' defeat of Remus and the subsequent founding of Rome.
• Historical Account: According to historians, the Etruscans and Latins founded the city in a strategic location near the sea. The Tiber River flows through the area, and there are a number of hills providing natural defense.

The Roman Monarchy (753–509 BC)

From the founding of the city until the 5th century BC, Rome took the form of a city-state ruled by kings (including Sabine and... Continue reading "Ancient Rome: History, Government, and Social Structure" »