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 Mallorcan School: A Literary Legacy

The Mallorcan School refers to a group of poets from the island characterized by a style deeply linked to Greek and Latin classics, as well as the local poetic tradition. This group maintains connections with various movements, including Romanticism, Neoclassicism, Costumbrismo, Naturalism, Modernism, and Noucentisme.

Linguistic and Ideological Context

Writers of this school alternated between Catalan and Spanish. Their work is defined by several distinct characteristics:

• Ideology: Conservative, Catholic, rural, and traditional.
• Regionalism: A nationalist, dissident perspective distinct from the Catalan Principality.

Until 1936, the term "Mallorcan School" held two meanings:

• Broad sense: The global contribution

Classification of Narrative

Narrative can be divided into two groups according to the literary record: Cultured Narrative and Popular Narrative.

Cultured Narrative

This category includes two basic literary productions, widely cultivated through novels and short stories:

• Novel: The most complex narrative genre, combining all formal elements of narration. Novels are often classified by subject matter or the treatment of the narrative discourse.
• Short Story (Tale): A narrative shorter in extension than a novel, which can also combine all elements of narrative discourse. It is important to distinguish these from folkloric or popular oral tales, often referred to as rondalles.

Popular Narrative

This category encompasses various genres, with traditional... Continue reading "Literary and Popular Narrative: Genres and Characteristics" »

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" »

• Alea iacta est: The die is cast.
• Veni, vidi, vici: I came, I saw, I conquered.
• Et tu, fili: And you, my son.
• Placet: Pleasant, free way.
• Nihil obstat: No impairment.
• Sine die: No time limit.
• Ad kalendas: Never.
• Per capita: Per head.
• Peccata minuta: Insignificant thing.
• Modus operandi: Way of acting.
• Modus vivendi: Way of living.
• Ars amandi: The art of loving.
• Rara avis: Something scarce.
• Sine qua non: Without which, nothing.
• Sui generis: Of its own class or type.
• Ex cathedra: Absolute possession of truth.
• Asinus ex cathedra: No possession of the truth.
• Ultimatum: Last opportunity.
• Referendum: Call to the polls.
• In extremis: In the last moment.
• In articulo mortis: In the time before dying.
• Quid pro quo: Something for something.
• Do ut des: I give so that you may give.

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 Baroque is characterized by subjectivism and a thoughtful, serious attitude toward important topics. It adopts a pessimistic view of human beings, focusing on life, death, destiny, and freedom. This attitude has much to do with the profound spiritual, social, and political crisis of the era, resulting in a case of deep disenchantment and a disillusioned vision of life. The Carpe diem motif evolves into Sic transit, acquiring high drama during the Baroque period.

The Spanish Golden Age

During this era, there are constant conflicts of interest among the nobility, the clergy, and the bourgeoisie. Emigration from rural areas to cities is accentuated, creating a situation of failure and disorientation. Despite this, our country produced a literature... Continue reading "Spanish Baroque Literature and the Golden Age" »