Literary Language, Genres, and Forms

Literary Language

Literary use of language: In the poetic function, literary language dominates, influencing both the content and its expression.

Characteristic Features

They can be grouped into two categories:

1. Deviation from the norm: A departure from normal language use.
2. Connotative or suggestive language: Language that suggests meanings through subjective associations, prevalent in lyrical poetry via metaphors or symbols.

Verse and Prose

Literary works are presented in two rhythmic forms: verse and prose. Verse adheres to a fixed rhythmic structure, while prose is not subject to a specific pattern.

Literary Genres

Lyric

The author expresses their subjectivity, feelings, or thoughts in the first person. It is often expressed in verse and includes original and popular forms.

Cultured Lyrical Compositions

1. Ode: Expresses enthusiasm, admiration, or love; a cultured song.
2. Short love poem
3. Eclogue: Composition involving dialogue between shepherds in a rustic setting, often on loving themes.
4. Epistle: Composition in the form of a letter.
5. Epigram: Very short poem with a festive character.

Traditional Lyrical Forms

1. Zejel: Of Arabic origin, combines a verse or two and a refrain in the form of three monorhyme lines and a "vuelta" that rhymes with the repeated refrain.
2. Carol: Traditional composition with a refrain in the form of a quatrain.
3. Lyrical Romance: Romance in which a love theme predominates.

Narrative

The writer recounts events external to themself, creating a fictional world with characters and events narrated as something outside the author.

Forms of Narrative

1. Epic: Extensive, relating the adventures of a great hero.
   • A) Epic: Classical epic; a grand composition involving gods and heroes.
   • B) Songs of Feat: Medieval epic narratives, recounting adventures and exploits of a warrior hero representing popular sentiment.
2. Novel: Extensive prose, complex and flexible.
3. Story: Short narrative with a simple, linear plot.

Drama

Aimed at stage performance, combining literary features and elements of the show. It is presented basically in the form of dialogue. Conflicts generally arise and are resolved in the final outcome. There are several types:

Theatrical Forms

1. Tragedy: A conflict in which the protagonist succumbs in an unequal struggle.
2. Comedy: Born to cheer and amuse as a satirical representation. Humor may be based on ambiguity, caricatures of human failings, or language.
3. Drama: Combines features of tragedy and comedy, often more realistic, with a mix of painful and comic elements.

Minor Theatrical Forms

1. Auto Sacramental: Short religious work represented allegorically.
2. Entremés, Paso, and Farce: Short plays represented during intermissions of comedies, with a cheerful and popular character.