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

Literary works are categorized into various subgenres, each with distinct characteristics and historical significance. This document delves into key forms of narrative verse and dramatic literature.

Narrative Verse Forms

1. The Epic

   The epic is a very long poem that recounts important events in the history of a people. Examples include the Iliad and Odyssey, both attributed to Homer (11th century BC). These works relate the adventures of heroes from the Trojan War, especially Achilles and Odysseus (also known as Ulysses).

2. The Epic Poem

   The epic poem is a medieval epic, popular and anonymous in nature, created to exalt the deeds of a historical character who becomes a legendary hero. Minstrels learned these songs and recited them in a solemn tone, speaking

Upon receipt of a letter from Marina Carrascal, accepting the relationship that Avitus proposed, he says: "The manual has been copied from some, and is satisfied. But is not the copy the same instinct, nature, matter? The letter will say what it wants, but what about the eyes? ... Oh, my eyes! Here you can copy it all, do not copy anything; they are absolutely original, classic originals..."

Analysis of the Dialogue

The Dynamics of Control and Passion

1.1. The text reflects the dialogue between Avitus Carrascal and Marina in the interview they maintain after Marina accepts Avitus's proposition of a relationship. In this passage, Avitus tries to maintain a position of control and mastery of the situation from a rational point of view, but despite... Continue reading "Avitus and Marina: A Dialogue of Passion" »

Azorín (1896)

Azorín, in 1896 Madrid, collaborated with newspapers and magazines. His life, though quiet, included political involvement. He traveled extensively in Spain, less abroad, and was a leading figure of the Generation of '98 alongside Maeztu and Baroja. His themes included the reality of Spain, its landscapes, and people. His literary work divides into two groups:

• Essays: Focusing on landscape (Landscape of Spain) and reinterpreting classical texts (Castilla, People).
• Novels: With four stages:
  • Predominance of biographical elements and impressions (Confessions of a Little Philosopher).
  • Reflection of his concerns through characters (Destiny).
  • Marked by avant-garde and personal drama (People).
  • Fiction (The Island Without Aurora).

Machado

Machado... Continue reading "Azorín and Machado: Literary Paths in Modern Spain" »

Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry traditionally expresses intense feelings or profound reflections, both manifestations of the self's experience. Fray Luis de León wasn't just a poet but also a prose writer and political thinker. His work reveals a deep understanding of ancient texts, both biblical and classical Latin poetry, especially the works of Horace. He translated several of Horace's works, which significantly influenced his own poetry. A key example in Castilian is the Song of Songs, the commentary on the last of the Proverbs of Solomon.

Horace's Lyrical Poetry

Horace's Odes are his most celebrated lyrical work, consisting of four books, the last added near the end of his life. The themes vary:

• Love Odes: Dedicated to Lydia, Pyrrha, Chloe, and

1. The National Comedy

The term "National Comedy" is applied generically to Spanish dramatic production of the 17th century. This period witnessed a true theatrical renewal, largely thanks to the innovative ideas of Lope de Vega. Seeking popular appeal, Lope broke away from the rigid rules of earlier drama, transforming theatre into a spectacle for the masses. His vision is reflected in the new comedies of the time.

1.1. Themes

Comedies of this era present a diverse range of themes, drawing inspiration from contemporary literature, medieval and classical sources, and historical events. These sources include everyday life, theology, history, and folklore. A particularly significant theme is that of honor. Honor, lost through one's own actions... Continue reading "17th-Century Spanish Comedy: A Dramatic Renewal" »

Location Expressions

• Behind = Detrás de
• In front of = Al frente de
• Next to = Al lado de
• Between = Entre
• Inside = Dentro de
• Outside = Afuera de
• On the corner of = En la esquina de
• Across from / Opposite = Cruzando, lado de la calle del frente

Using "There is" and "There are"

Affirmative

• There is = "Hay" (Singular)
• There are = "Hay" (Plural)

Question

• Is there...? (Singular)
• Are there...? (Plural)

Examples:

Is there a supermarket near Inacap?

Yes, there are some in Zona Franca.

Are there any drugstores near here?

No, there aren't any, but there are some on España Ave.

There is one next to Unimarc supermarket, and there is one across from the supermarket.

Ordinal Numbers

1st first    3rd third      5th fifth    7th seventh    9th ninth

2nd second   ... Continue reading "Essential English Phrases and Grammar Points" »

Antonio Machado: Poet of the Generation of '98

Life of Antonio Machado

Antonio Machado's life can be divided into three significant stages:

• 1875-1907: Childhood and Youth in Seville and Madrid

  These were his formative years, spent at the Institución Libre de Enseñanza. After the deaths of his father (1893) and grandfather (1895), Antonio and his brother Manuel began working for The Cartoon, writing theater reviews and daily life observations. He made two trips to France (1899 and 1902), during the second of which he met Rubén Darío.

• 1907-1919: Life in Soria and Baeza

  During this period, Machado worked as a high school teacher. He married Leonor Izquierdo, who tragically died of tuberculosis in Soria in 1912. Life without Leonor became unsustainable

Germanic Migrations and the Fall of Rome

Decline of the Western Roman Empire

Germanic tribes lived to the north of the Roman Empire. The Romans called them barbarians. The empire's wealth and military weakness led to a series of Germanic migrations across the frontier. Some of these were violent invasions. Roman control over its northern territories gradually declined after the third century. In 395, Emperor Theodosius divided the empire between two sons to make it easier to defend. Thus, the western and eastern provinces became the Western Roman Empire and the Eastern Roman Empire. Romulus Augustulus, the last emperor of the Western Empire, was deposed in 476. For some historians, this date marks the beginning of the Middle Ages.

Emergence of

Catalan Poetry: From the 1970s to the 1990s

9.A. At the beginning of the 1970s, Foix's work was recovered, and two books crucial to overcoming realism were published. These books tipped Catalan poetry: The Mirror by Peter Gimferrer and Trench Poetry by Joan Brossa. In Valencia, the new references were Joan Navarro and Salvador Jàfer. The anthology of Amadeus Fabregat (Fresh Meat) collected this change of direction that turned away from the preceding realism. Poetry is not realistic. In a few years, the following features became dominant:

• Practical rebellion: Connecting writing practices that had shaped the history of 20th-century poetry, poetry is regarded as freelance speech.
• The poetic word stops being used to narrate and becomes suggestive,

Federico García Lorca: Biography (1898-1936)

Born in Granada, Federico García Lorca studied Law, Philosophy, and Music. He moved to the Residencia de Estudiantes in Madrid and later traveled to New York. He returned to Spain and subsequently made a trip to Argentina.

Personality: Characterized by overwhelming vitality, overflowing sympathy, existential pain, and frustration.

Themes in his work: Key themes include love, death, and the marginalization of individuals (like gypsies or the oppressed). His work represents a synthesis of popular tradition and avant-garde aesthetics, masterfully employing imagery, metaphors, and symbols.

Lorca's Poetic Evolution

His poetry evolved from initial simplicity to the powerful expression found in "Gypsy Ballads"