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

Camilo José Cela (1916-2002)

Born in Iria Flavia (La Coruña), Camilo José Cela was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1989. His first major success was La familia de Pascual Duarte. This novel exemplifies Tremendismo, a literary current characterized by gruesome arguments, violent scenes, and the use of rural language. La familia de Pascual Duarte is an autobiographical story, told in the first person, where the protagonist recounts his life and the various crimes that led to his death penalty from jail.

Cela's other notable works include Pabellón de reposo, a succession of monologues; Nuevas andanzas y desventuras de Lazarillo de Tormes, a work in the picaresque tradition; and Viaje a la Alcarria, a renowned travel book exploring several... Continue reading "Spanish Literary Giants: Post-War Authors and Their Masterpieces" »

Modernism: A Force of Cultural Resistance in Latin America

Modernism emerged as a subversive force in Latin America and an expression of resistance to the commercialism of the bourgeois cultural revolution. Besides a change in literary taste, Hispanic American Modernism involved the claim of a new partnership with decolonizing intentions. The modernists rebelled against materialism, imperialism, the bourgeoisie, and the utilitarian. As an immediate source, they looked to French movements, viewing Parnassianism and Symbolism as the most demanding and audacious expressions of the trends of the time.

Features of Modernism

Modernism has been defined as the aesthetics of change due to its constant attempt at the renewal of literary language. Key characteristics... Continue reading "The Aesthetics of Change: Modernism in Hispanic Literature" »

Innovations in Spanish Renaissance Lyric Poetry

The new poetic canon not only renewed the themes but also the manner of expression. Compared to the medieval dodecasyllabic and octosyllabic meters characteristic of traditional songs, the Renaissance popularized the hendecasyllable, which became the most representative meter of learned poetry. The hendecasyllable was often combined with the seven-syllable form in poetic structures such as the lira, silvas, and estancias, all widely used in Renaissance lyric poetry, along with the tercet and quatrain.

Beautiful compositions were written by prominent figures like Garcilaso de la Vega, Fray Luis de León, and San Juan de la Cruz. Garcilaso notably incorporated the Castilian lira (7a 11B 7a 7b 11B)... Continue reading "Renaissance Spanish Lyric: Forms, Figures, and Spirituality" »

Carles Riba

Carles Riba was a prominent Catalan writer who collaborated with Eugenio d'Ors. He was known for his Greek and Latin translations and also contributed to the Catalan dictionary. He traveled extensively to expand his knowledge. His work encompassed poetry, translation, and criticism.

Riba's literary career can be divided into four stages:

• 1st stage: Personal expression and the search for personal identity.
• 2nd stage: Formal, chamber-like style.
• 3rd stage: Metaphysical and civilian themes.
• 4th stage: Religious poetry.

Josep M. de Sagarra

Josep M. de Sagarra became involved with the Noucentisme movement, although his works are not strictly within this style. He embraced various genres:

• Poetry: Including opera (works written in verse), epic

20th Century Spanish Literary Movements

Noucentisme: Intellectualism and Pure Art

In the second decade of the twentieth century, a group of writers emerged, characterized by their intellectualism, their eagerness for European culture, and their search for a 'pure art.' This literary current, which promoted its components in 1914, is known as Noucentisme. The main exponent of Noucentista poetry is Juan Ramón Jiménez.

Characteristics of the Noucentista Novel

The Noucentista novel features two main characteristics: lyrical descriptive passages and the presence of essayistic elements. It focuses less on action and more on the reflection and description of characters and their environments. Key figures include Gabriel Miró and Ramón Pérez de Ayala.... Continue reading "20th Century Spanish Literary Movements: From Noucentisme to Social Realism" »

Juan Ramón Jiménez: On the Path of Poetry

The poetry of Juan Ramón Jiménez, which spans until the mid-twentieth century, has undergone a profound evolution.

Early Works (Intimate or Sensitive Period)

The first stage is characterized by a feeling of melancholy. Aestheticism and decadence are present in his early works, such as Nympheas and Almas de Violeta (1900), with themes such as nostalgia, the presence of death, and the pursuit of something mysterious. Symbolism is evident in Arias Tristes (1903) and Jardines Lejanos (1904). Modernism influenced him after his return to Moguer. Notable works include: Las Hojas Verdes (1905), La Soledad Sonora (1911), Poesía Mágica y Doliente (1911), and Laberinto (1913).

The Change (Intellectual Era)

Two... Continue reading "Evolution of Juan Ramón Jiménez's and Antonio Machado's Poetry" »

Literature Manuscripts

• Cotton Vitellius: Beowulf, Judith, 3 prose poems
• Junius Manuscript: Genesis, Exodus, Daniel, Christ and Satan
• Exeter Book: Christ, Juliana, The Wanderer, The Seafarer, Widsith, Deor, and other short pieces
• Vercelli Book: Andreas, The Fates of the Apostles, Address of the Soul to the Body, The Dream of the Rood, Elene

These four manuscripts contain approximately 30,000 lines of poetry, along with prose translations, religious instruction, and historical records. The Cotton Vitellius is in the British Museum, London. The Junius Manuscript is in the Bodleian Library, Oxford. The Exeter Book is in Exeter Cathedral. The Vercelli Book is in the Library of Vercelli Cathedral, Northern Italy.

Heroic Poetry

Heroic poetry connects us... Continue reading "Anglo-Saxon Literature: Manuscripts and Heroic Poetry" »

Evolutionary Theories

From Fixism to Darwinism

Understanding the origin and evolution of species is essential to understanding their characteristics and behavior. Historically, two main theories have attempted to explain the diversity of life: fixism and evolutionism.

Fixism

Fixism, proposed by Georges Cuvier (1769-1832), posits that all species are independent and have remained unchanged since their creation.

Evolutionism

Evolutionism, in contrast, suggests that the universe and life, in all their manifestations, are the product of development. The diversity of species is the result of change and adaptation over time. The concept of evolutionism began to take shape in the 19th century, with its roots in the 18th-century theory of transformism, timidly... Continue reading "Darwin and the Evolution of Species: A Comprehensive Look" »

Renaissance Literature

Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592)

Montaigne's essays hold immense importance as they pioneered a fruitful literary genre. His introspective writing reflects his individuality, a hallmark of humanist thought, exploring the 'ego' in the context of human existence. Key characteristics of Montaigne's essays include their free-flowing form, incorporation of diverse topics, digressions, and use of quotations. The essay, as a genre, is typically concise in its treatment of a subject.

The Renaissance (Early 16th - Late 17th Century)

Key Features:

1. Resurgence of Platonic ideals of goodness, beauty, and art, representing a utopian ideal.
2. Focus on the theme of love, influenced by Petrarchism.
3. Influence of Aristotle's Poetics (tragedy and

Spanish Realism: Historical Context and Characteristics

Realistic literature reflects the historical, socioeconomic, and cultural development of Spain between 1868 and 1874. This period saw a democratic revolution, beginning with the overthrow of Isabel II and including the Regency of General Serrano, the brief parliamentary monarchy under Amadeo I, and the First Republic. The era ended with a coup that returned the crown to the Bourbons, initiating the Restoration with the reign of Alfonso XII.

Socioeconomic and Cultural Changes

Economically, Spain experienced industrial development and increased trade. Socially, there was a progressive rise of the bourgeoisie, and industrialization led to the growth of the proletariat. Significant discoveries... Continue reading "Spanish Realism in Literature: 19th-Century Society" »