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Lyrical Poetry: An In-Depth Look

Key Characteristics of Lyrical Poetry

Lyrical poetry is a genre characterized by its subjectivity. The poet offers us a part of their thoughts and their inner vision. The most important feature is that it is written in verse. The expression of the poet's emotion can be performed through other vehicles of expression, like other poetic forms. There is poetry that can be described as epic or not lyrical. In poetry, the author simply tells the story of certain characters, even though it is done in verse.

Defining Features

• The author conveys a particular mood.
• A poem recounts a particular emotion.
• Lyrical poetry requires an effort of interpretation from the reader.
• It usually has a great accumulation of images and elements

Tirant lo Blanc: A Deep Dive

Eisner: 15th century. Very academic. He is respected for his skill with weapons and his notions of military strategy. He moves deftly to the different courts of Europe (Portugal, Naples) and died in 1468. Reflected in his novel·la is his deepest desire. His biography is quite novelistic; his life went by as he pleaded for honor and possessions. In the end, he is left without possessions, and your sister married Ausiàs March. Tirant wrote at the end of his life, and the end of the pledge was to survive. Martí Joan de Galba published his work in 1490.

Tirant's Adventures

• Tirant in England (Representation of cavalry tournaments)
• Tirant in Sicily and Rhodes (A skillful admiral at sea)
• Tirant in the Greek Empire (Where

20th Century Spain: A Cultural Overview

The early 20th century in Spain was marked by technological advancements and the upheaval of World War I. The reign of Alfonso XIII saw the establishment of a military dictatorship in 1931, followed by the Second Republic. Socially, workers suffered during a period of crisis.

The Avant-Garde Movement

This era was characterized by a fascination with experimentation and a universal artistic vocation. Artists grouped themselves into aesthetic movements known as the avant-garde, or "isms." These groups were not homogenous and included:

• Surrealism: Aiming to transcend rationality through exploration of the unconscious mind.
• Dada: Embracing the absurd and championing art created by chance.
• Ultraism: Reacting against

Catalan Literature: From Romanticism to Realism

The Romantic Novel

Walter Scott proposed and explained the historical facts of the case, and later, the psychological and thematic aspects. The sentimental aspect is of interest.

Costumbrism

Testimonials described documents of traditions that were about to disappear. They wrote about customs, describing a moment in time.

The Realist Novel

Important writers include Balzac, Stendhal, and Flaubert. They were interested in current issues and the accurate description of the psychology of characters and environments.

The Emergence of the Modern Novel in Catalan

To create a modern Catalan narrative, it was necessary to overcome a series of problems:

• The lack of prestige of the language
• The anachronistic schemes

Modernism in the Early 20th Century

In the late 19th century, a renewed interest in early Romanticism's emphasis on originality and creative freedom emerged. This period, marked by a crisis in Western culture, led to a significant shift in artistic direction. The literary movement that defined this era is known as Modernism. Modernism drew inspiration from two 19th-century movements: Parnassianism and Symbolism. The core themes of Modernism include loneliness, escapism, cosmopolitanism, love, and eroticism.

Ruben Dario and Manuel Machado are the primary representatives of Parnassian Modernism. Dario, a Nicaraguan poet, transitioned from the aesthetic Parnassianism evident in Azul and Prosas Profanas to more profound and far-reaching themes in... Continue reading "Key Movements and Authors in Early 20th Century Spanish Literature" »

The Novel

The novel Curial e Güelfa, written in the mid-fifteenth century, is an anonymous work. The author might be from the Valencian court of Alfonso V of Aragon in Naples. It is a story of love and arms that follows Curial, a knight, and his feats and deeds on behalf of the noble Güelfa, driven by a desire for personal promotion. The book contains numerous references to the classical Greco-Roman literary tradition, including Plato and Ovid. It also draws inspiration from Italian authors of that time, such as Dante and Boccaccio, as well as Catalan writers like Ramon Muntaner and Ramon Llull. The novel is divided into three books.

Book One: The Theme of Love

Curial, a young man of humble origins, enters the court of the Marquis of Monferrat,... Continue reading "Curial e Güelfa: A 15th-Century Chivalric Romance" »

Lazarillo de Tormes

Lazarillo de Tormes is an anonymous work, censored in 1554 for its strong anticlerical content. It is presented as an autobiography, a first-person account written in the form of a letter to "Your Grace." The narrator recounts his past life to justify his present state of dishonor.

The book consists of a foreword and seven chapters or 'treatises.'

Key Features:

• The protagonist is the son of parents without honor.
• He experiences hunger and the desire for social advancement.
• He loses his innocence, evolves, and learns.

Themes:

• Reflection of the reality of society and the conflicts of Spain.
• Critique of the obsession with honor.
• Corruption of the clergy.

Structure:

• Chapters 1, 2, and 3: Early life and masters (Blind man, Clergyman, Squire)

Quim Monzó: A Key Catalan Storyteller

Quim Monzó is a prominent figure in Catalan literature, alongside Pere Calders. While his short stories are well-known, his novels deserve greater recognition. Monzó's work includes novels, short stories, and articles, with a focus on short stories.

His novels include: "The Howl of the Gray Edge of the Drains," "Gasoline," and "The Magnitude of the Tragedy." He also has seven short novels, including "Self Service" and "Guadalajara."

Monzó's work can be divided into two stages:

• Initial: "The Howl of the Gray Edge of the Sewers" and "UF He Said."
• Later Stage: More interesting and rich, influenced by Freud, psychoanalysis, existentialism, and Marxism.

He uses irony as a key resource, often employing parody of... Continue reading "Quim Monzó and Post-War Catalan Poetry Trends" »

Literary Genres and Periods

Genre Definition

Formal manifestations of literary works according to a classification that takes into account the structure and topic covered.

Medieval Chronicles

• Book of Deeds: Life and deeds of the most important monarch, James I.
• The Chronicle of Bernat Desclot: Chronicles the reigns from Alfonso the Chaste to Peter II the Great.
• The Chronicle of Ramon Muntaner: Covers the period from the birth of James I to the coronation of Alfonso III the Liberal.
• Chronicle of Peter IV of Aragon: Discusses his reign and that of his father, Alfonso III the Liberal.

Humanism

Originating in Italy, recovering the works of classical antiquity. The Renaissance period was a decisive influence on artistic expression and ways of life, bringing... Continue reading "Catalan Literature: Periods, Authors, Works" »

The Generation of '98

Three Key Stages

1. Youth and Rebellion (Early 1900s)

This era saw authors like Azorín characterized by a rebellious spirit and revolutionary stance, exemplified by figures like Pío Baroja and Ramiro de Maeztu.

2. Reform and Manifesto (1901)

In 1901, Azorín, Pío Baroja, and Ramiro de Maeztu published a manifesto aimed at encouraging social change in Spain. Their goal was reform through political action.

3. Maturity and Introspection (1910s)

Around 1910, the Generation of '98 authors shifted their focus from societal change to individual problems, exploring themes of existentialism and irrationalism, often reflecting their personal views on Spain's history and their place within it.

Defining the Generation of '98

There are... Continue reading "Spanish Generation of '98: Literature, History, and Legacy" »