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

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

Spanish Theatre: 1940 to Present Day

Theatre in Exile

Key playwrights writing outside of Spain during this period include:

• Max Aub
• Alejandro Casona

The 1940s: Evasion and Humor

The theatre of humor during this decade was notably innovative. Miguel Mihura's Three Top Hats is a comedy satirizing the routine and mediocrity of the provincial bourgeoisie and the equally miserable vaudeville life.

The 1950s: Existential and Social Drama

Realistic theatre attempted to renew the Spanish stage and demonstrate opposition to the dictatorship. Works raised issues such as social injustice, exploitation, the lives of the middle and lower classes, and the human condition of the downtrodden and marginalized.

Prominent authors include:

• Alfonso Sastre
• Lauro Olmo
• Antonio

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 Carolingian Empire

The Frankish Kingdom

The Franks settled in Gaul after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. The region was initially governed by warlords until Clovis unified the Gallo-Roman peoples and the Franks. He famously defeated the Visigoths at the Battle of Vouillé.

Mayors of the Palace

The successors of Clovis largely left the government in the hands of the Mayors of the Palace. Notably, Charles Martel stopped the Muslim advance into Europe at the decisive Battle of Poitiers.

The Carolingian Dynasty

Pepin the Short founded the Carolingian dynasty. He allied with Pope Stephen in the fight against the Lombards, who had invaded Italy. In return for the Pope's support, Pepin the Short granted him the Papal Domains, laying the foundation... Continue reading "The Carolingian Empire and Early Medieval Art" »

The Experimental Novel: 1960-1980

Between 1960 and 1980, a set of innovative novels emerged in Latin American literature. These works often incorporated magical realism but delved deeply into experimentation with new narrative forms. Key novelists who pioneered this movement include:

• Ernesto Sabato

  Sabato wrote an intellectualized narrative, often resembling an essay, which crystallized in works such as The Tunnel (a short novel exploring love and madness), On Heroes and Tombs, and Abaddon the Destroyer. His work offers a critical reflection on contemporary society.

• Julio Cortázar

  Cortázar stands out for his short stories, often resembling fairy tales in the vein of Kafka and Borges (e.g., Bestiary, Secret Weapons, All Fires the Fire). In his

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" »