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

Key Linguistic Concepts

• Hyponymy: The meaning of one word is included within that of another, more general word.
• Substrate words: These are words from languages spoken in the Iberian Peninsula before the arrival of Latin that have survived to the present day.
• Pidgin languages (Sabir): When languages mix to give rise to a new, simplified language that facilitates communication between small groups.
• Foreignisms: These are words from another language incorporated into Castilian that supersede an existing word. A foreignism can be seen as impoverishing the language when it designates a reality that already had a name.
• Loanwords: These are words from other languages whose speakers have coexisted with speakers on the Peninsula. Loanwords are used to name

Understanding Discussion Forums

A discussion forum is an internet service allowing the exchange of information and opinion among people interested in a particular subject.

Unlike conventional oral debate, forum exchanges occur in written form.

The opinions, information, and comments of those involved are generally freely shared, although there is usually a moderator or coordinator.

Forums can tackle any subject, but often specialize in topics related to current events, medicine, law, studies, language, animals, and more.

Cervantes and Don Quixote

Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra: Life and Work

Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, the most universal Spanish writer, was born in Alcalá de Henares in 1547. He participated in the Battle of Lepanto (1571), where... Continue reading "Don Quixote: Characters, Modernity, and Cervantes's Novels" »

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" »

Spanish Romances: Medieval Ballads

Some episodes of epic poems began to be narrated separately, adapting to a simpler metric form. These became known as romances (ballads).

Romances are formed by a variable number of eight-syllable verses, with assonance rhyme in the even-numbered verses, while the odd-numbered verses remain free.

Key Features of Romances

• Simplicity and Sobriety: They are characterized by brief descriptions and a general lack of adjectives.
• Oral Tradition: As compositions of an oral nature, they require the use of specific resources like repetitions and exclamations.
• Fragmentary Nature: They often begin in medias res and have abrupt endings.

Classification of Romances

• Historical Romances: They deal with historical events of the time

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" »