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

Chronicle of James I (1208-1276)

The Chronicle of James I is an autobiographical account, presented in chronological order, of the events spanning from James I's birth to the territorial conquests of Majorca, Ibiza, Valencia, and Murcia. It details his challenges with the nobility and political pacts with Castile. The language is vivid and expressive, employing the majestic "we".

Bernat Desclot Chronicle (Late 13th Century)

This chronicle, traditionally attributed to Bernat Desclot, though likely written by an officer of the court, focuses on the reign of Peter II (1276-1285). It highlights significant episodes from the King's campaign in Sicily. The narrator uses the third person, providing an external perspective that lends an air of objectivity.... Continue reading "Catalan Medieval Literature and Historical Chronicles" »

Latin American Narrative in the Second Half of the 20th Century

Latin American narrative in the second half of the 20th century is not rooted in the tradition of the classical Spanish novel, realistic, or prior to the Civil War. Instead, it shows a great sensitivity to the transformation called the *metamorphosis of the novel*, which occurred at the hands of great European and American authors of the early 20th century, such as Joyce, Kafka, Proust, Musil, and Faulkner.

Experimental Novel and Magical Realism

Therefore, it can be described as an *experimental novel*, equivalent to what the Anglo world calls "modern", as it shows a particular sensitivity to the revolution of the aforementioned viewpoint. But it also expresses a world of very different... Continue reading "Latin American Narrative: Transformation and Magical Realism" »

14th-Century Spanish Literature

The Book of Good Love and the Archpriest of Hita

Juan Ruiz, the Archpriest of Hita, wrote the brilliant and original Book of Good Love in the 14th century. While its structure could be categorized within the mester de clerecía (clerical verse tradition), its themes stray from the didacticism typical of that style.

We know very little about the author beyond his name. However, his work reveals a vital, humorous individual with sincere piety. This suggests a strong autobiographical element, allowing the reader to connect with an author deeply familiar with both popular and learned literature.

Book of Good Love

Theme:

Written in verse with a predominantly narrative style, the Book of Good Love shares characteristics... Continue reading "14th-Century Spanish Literature: The Book of Good Love & Don Juan Manuel" »

Miguel de Cervantes: Literary Contributions

Poetry: Journey to Parnassus

Cervantes' poetic work includes Journey to Parnassus, a satirical allegorical poem.

Theater: Evolution and Innovation

Cervantes' theatrical career evolved through two distinct stages:

• First Stage: Classical Influence

  Followed classical rules, emphasizing respect for dramatic conventions. An example is Numancia.

• Second Stage: Lope de Vega's Influence

  Departed from strict classical rules, influenced by the popular theater of Lope de Vega. Cervantes wrote eight comedies during this period.

He also introduced Entremeses (interludes), short, popular comic plays performed between acts of a longer comedy, often featuring well-known comic characters.

Novels: A Master of Narrative Genres

Cervantes... Continue reading "Masterpieces of Spanish Golden Age Literature: Cervantes, Lazarillo, Don Quijote" »

Cesar's Clever Tactic

Caesar believed he had found a clever tactic. He had arrived hoping to finish the campaign without struggle and without injury. Having intercepted the enemies of the wheat supply from their homes, he questioned why he should lose some of his own men even in friendly matches. Why suffer being hurt?

Encouraging His People to Find Fresh Water

After delivering this speech among his people, Caesar agitated the minds of all. He gave an assignment to the centurions to interrupt their current works and devote their efforts to digging wells, not disturbing any part of the night time. Having undertaken this task and brought all the animals for work, one night a freshwater stream was found.

The Cavalry of the Germans and Numerical Superiority

The... Continue reading "Key Moments in Roman Military Campaigns and History" »

Classification of Literary Genres

Literary genres are categories of texts that share common characteristics in terms of content, form, themes, ideas, and the writer's attitude.

The Lyrical Genre

• Key Characteristic: Subjectivity.
• Function: Expressive or emotive function of language; the author expresses personal feelings, desires, and emotions.
• Classification:
  • Cultivated Lyric: Written transmission. Known writers.
    • Subgenres: ode, hymn, elegy, eclogue, epistle, satire, song, and fable.
  • Popular Lyric: Oral transmission. Anonymity.
    • Subgenres: carol, letrilla, lyrical romance.

The Narrative Genre

The expression of a story that happens to characters in a specific place and time. This story is explained by a narrator who guides the reader.

• Story Elements: Plot,

Significance and Function

As Greek culture evolved, it increasingly sought the perfection of images. Since most sculptures were created for shrines or cities, maximum realism was sought as a representative token.

Historical Context

It is very possible that Hermes with Infant Dionysus was sculpted to commemorate the peace between Elis and Arcadia, as Dionysus was the first patron of Elis and Hermes the second patron of Arcadia.

Symbolism and Dualism

The group is dualistic: it perfectly contrasts maturity and balance (represented by Hermes) with the immaturity and imbalance of Dionysus. In fact, it can be seen as a symbol of the world, as Hermes and Dionysus play just like the gods play with human destiny.

Mythological Narrative

Dionysus, son of Zeus... Continue reading "Praxiteles' Hermes and Infant Dionysus Sculpture" »

Writers and the Literary Market

Two literary movements were born: the group of Boedo and the group of Florida. The reading public had grown dramatically, a fact that influenced the perception of the writer. Previously, the man of letters had been viewed as an 'enlightened' figure, whose literary activity was removed from the hectic office. In principle, the writer was not seen as a 'professional,' nor was he, in fact, one.

Writers like Leopoldo Lugones had imposed their presence in national literature, but these were professionals who often came from more affluent classes. In contrast, emerging writers, whose social classes were much more modest, gained increasing participation in society. Roberto Arlt best represents this new figure of the writer.... Continue reading "Argentine Literary Movements: Boedo, Florida, and the Rise of Roberto Arlt" »

Rima XXIV: 'Two Tongues of Red Fire'

Subject and Core Theme

The central subject is joyful love, expressed through passionate poetry. Love is presented as the foundation of Bécquer's work. This poem specifically refers to the reciprocity between two souls, observed and mirrored by nature.

Fusion of the Poet and the Beloved

The poem speaks of the fusion between the loving poet and his beloved, comparing this union with the way elements in nature coalesce.

Structure of Rima XXIV

The poem can be divided into two main parts:

1. Part 1 (Verses 1–4): Focuses on elements of nature that coalesce:

   • Two tongues of fire
   • Two notes
   • Two waves

2. Part 2 (Stanza 5): Presents three images of the same type (ideas, kisses, echoes) in real terms, culminating in the declaration:

The Jarcha: Oldest Romance Poetry

The Jarcha is a unique form of popular lyric poetry from Muslim Hispania, often attributed to anonymous authors. These short poems served as the final part of a longer poetic form called the muwashshah, with examples dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries.

Jarchas were composed in colloquial Hispano-Arabic dialects or in the Andalusian Romance language, sometimes inaccurately referred to as Mozarabic. They were crafted by educated Arab and Jewish poets who drew inspiration from traditional Romance poetry. Poets could either derive them from popular folklore, adapt them to fit the metrical requirements of the muwashshah, or create new compositions based on established patterns.

Their immense importance lies... Continue reading "Medieval Spanish Literature: Jarchas, El Cid, Mester" »