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

Bernardi Graña: The Poet of the Sea

Born in Cangas do Morrazo, Bernardi Graña published his first book, Poems a Man Wanted to Live, in 1959 during his stay in Madrid. He graduated in Romantic Philology and taught both within and outside Galicia. He later returned to Cangas, where he currently resides.

While he also wrote plays and narrative, primarily in children's literature, it was in poetry that he developed his major work. His collection, Prophecy Poems of the Sea and Not Seeing Vigo and Cangas, earned him the nickname "Poet of the Sea," as its central theme revolves around the sea and seafaring life.

Other notable poetic works include Within Our Love for All the Fish, Sar Walked Up, and Anthem Green Light in November. Graña's poetry is... Continue reading "Prominent Galician Writers: Bernardi Graña & Xosé Luís Méndez Ferrín" »

The Art of Eloquence: Rhetoric and Public Speaking in Ancient Rome

The art of eloquence, or public speaking, is necessary in all societies. There will always be an occasion where one has to lead an audience, to convince them, or to express joy, sorrow, or pain. In Roman society, with its political assemblies and courts, mastery of the word was essential for young people of good standing who would engage in politics. It is not always the one who is right who convinces, but the one who best defends his 'reason.' For this, the technique, i.e., Rhetoric, is necessary.

Understanding Rhetoric: The Art of Speaking Well

Rhetoric is a set of procedures for speaking well. This skill was learned in schools of rhetoric. As the art of speech, it was applied... Continue reading "Mastering Public Speaking: Roman Rhetoric and Cicero's Legacy" »

The Trial of Paris

Aphrodite appears alongside Hera and Athena. Two cherubs accompany her. Eris, angered by not being invited to a wedding, sows discord among the guests. Zeus decides to let Paris, a young Trojan prince, choose the most beautiful goddess. Hermes, the messenger god, presents Paris with the apple of discord.

Perseus and Andromeda

Perseus and his mother, Danae, are saved and find refuge in a kingdom. The king desires Danae, but Perseus, aided by Athena and Hermes, defeats the king. On his journey, Perseus rescues Andromeda from a monstrous dragon. The two cherubs symbolize their love. Upon returning, Perseus uses Medusa's head to turn the king to stone. He then founds Mycenae.

Diana and Callisto

Callisto, a nymph, becomes pregnant... Continue reading "Mythological Tales: Paris, Perseus, Diana, and Vulcan" »

Crisis, Renewal, and Diversification of the Catalan Novel

Noucentisme prioritized poetry and the essay and did not give much importance to the novel. The Catalan novel experienced a strong revival starting in 1925. The resumption of the novel led to a notable increase in publishers, collections, and critics specializing in the genre, translations of foreign novelists, the creation of literary prizes for novels, and the consolidation of an important reading public.

Trends and New Authors in the Novel Revival

The rise of the novel involved different trends and the emergence of new authors:

• Modernist narrators who had ceased writing during the Noucentiste period, such as Prudenci Bertrana and Joan Puig i Ferreter.
• The psychological novel, which focused

Poetic Reflections: "I Am Burning"

Subject: The Ineffable in Poetry and Women

This analysis delves into reflections on poetry, asserting its independent existence before the poet. Its primary source is identified as the woman, who embodies feeling and, by extension, poetry itself. The text questions how poetry can express love, acknowledging the inherent insufficiency of language.

Summary: The Elusive Ideal Woman

The core theme revolves around the pursuit of the desired ideal woman, who, the analysis suggests, exists only within the dreams of the poetic ideal. This ideal of love and poetic aspiration often binds and confuses women.

Structure: Archetypes of Feminine Beauty

The poet's work, through its rhyme scheme, presents different models of feminine... Continue reading "Poetic Reflections on Love and the Ideal Woman" »

Postmodern Thought and Its Characteristics

Postmodern thought is characterized by its rejection of ideologies, aesthetic theories, and schools. It practices different languages and mixes disciplines. It defends popular culture, the conception of the artwork as an object of mass communication, and the hybridization of styles. Postmodern thinking is reflected in everything from the taste for the fusion of genres. It is also unusual that the author plays with references known to the reader to build surprising texts. The relativism of thought favors the use of resources such as humor and irony.

Contemporary Spanish Literature (Since 1975)

Literature since 1975 presents a predominant feature: the attempt to regain the reader after the experimentalist... Continue reading "Postmodernism and Contemporary Spanish Arts" »

This compilation highlights significant literary works and authors from Hispanoamérica (Latin America) during the 20th century, showcasing a diverse range of styles, themes, and genres.

Horacio Quiroga: Macabre and Morbid Tales

Horacio Quiroga, known for his tragic life, produced works full of macabre and morbid themes. His notable contributions include:

• Los arrecifes de coral (The Coral Reefs)
• Otro crimen (Another Crime)
• Historia de un amor turbio (Story of a Shadowy Love)
• El último amor (The Last Love)
• Cuentos de amor de locura y de muerte (Tales of Love, Madness, and Death)
• Salvaje (Savage)
• Cuentos de la selva (Tales of the Jungle)
• Anaconda
• Los desterrados (The Exiles)
• El desierto (The Desert)
• Más allá (Beyond)

Eustasio José Rivera: Colombian Literary

Heritage Words: Latin Roots in Castilian

Heritage words are derived from Latin and have been part of Castilian Spanish since its origins. They undergo phonetic changes that result in words distinct from their Latin predecessors.

Romanticism in Spain: Ideals and Development

Romanticism was a social and artistic movement that flourished during the first half of the nineteenth century. Its principal objective was the exercise of the right to liberty. In Spain, it developed late because the political situation during the absolutist reign of Ferdinand VII did not allow the expression of its ideology. However, after the death of this monarch in 1833, Romanticism lasted until the second half of the century.

Key Characteristics of Spanish Romanticism:

• Expression

Mester de Juglaría

From the 11th to the 15th century, the characteristics of this school were its popular character, real or historical themes, irregular meter, and the use of formulas to attract the public. Minstrels performed in squares, towns, and castles, wearing a jacket and reciting heroic poems.

In Spain, the most important epic poem is the Poema del Cid, written around 1140 and attributed to two minstrels. It is divided into three parts:

• Cantar del destierro (Song of Exile): El Cid is exiled by Alfonso VI. He struggles against the Moors and sends presents to the king to seek forgiveness.
• Cantar de las bodas (Song of the Weddings): El Cid conquers Valencia. The loot he sends to the king attracts the attention of the Infantes de Carrión,

Key Poets of the Generation of '27

Rafael Alberti: Neotraditional Poet

Rafael Alberti is a poet best representing the neotraditional line, inspired by traditional sources such as cancionero ballads and lyrics. His poetry was often politically compromised, and he was exiled after the Spanish Civil War. A notable work is Marinero en Tierra (A Sailor on Shore, 1925).

Pedro Salinas: The Poet of Love

Pedro Salinas was a prominent love poet. His work shows an evolution of pure poetry, characterized by a cutting-edge, personal, and intimate style. He reflected on life's mysteries, particularly love. Key works include: La Voz a Ti Debida (Love You Voice Due, 1933), Razón de Amor (Because of Love, 1936), and Largo Lamento (Long Lament, 1939), which reflects... Continue reading "Spanish Literary Masters: Generation of '27 & Early 20th Century Theater" »