Romanticism and Realism: A Comparative Analysis

Romanticism

Romanticism was a reaction against Neoclassicism's emphasis on reason and rhetorical style. It prioritized emotional expression and explored themes of individualism, nature, and the sublime.

Principal Authors of Romanticism

• Lord Byron: Expressed rebellion and weariness.
• Goethe: Known for his novel The Sorrows of Young Werther.
• José de Espronceda: Composed long poems and songs.
• Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer: Author of Rhymes and Legends.
• Mariano José de Larra: Depicted Spanish situations.
• José Zorrilla: Wrote Don Juan Tenorio.

Romantic Poetry

Romantic poetry often employed rhetorical language and explored two main forms:

• Lyrical: Expressed personal sentiments and the poet's perspective, exemplified by José de Espronceda and Bécquer.
• Narrative: Common in legends, with Espronceda excelling in this style.

Realism

Realism emerged as a response to Romanticism's sentimentality and imaginative focus. It aimed to represent reality as it was, with a critical eye towards society. The novel became the dominant genre, appealing to the growing readership of the bourgeoisie.

Realism Authors

• Benito Pérez Galdós: Wrote the first realistic work, La Fontana de Oro, which critically portrayed the reality of his time and delved into the characters' thoughts.

Exposition and Argumentation

Exposition

Conveys information objectively, orderly, and clearly.

Argumentation

Provides reasons to defend an idea, aiming to persuade the recipient of its validity. It typically follows a structure of introduction, exposition, argument, and conclusion.

Media

Radio

Radio is a widely accepted communication medium due to its accessibility and compatibility with other activities. It combines verbal language with music, sound effects, and silence. Various program types include news reports (flash) and magazine programs (chat rooms, bulletins).

Television

Television is a powerful communication medium, offering effortless entertainment and a spectacle-like experience. It prioritizes the instinctive and emotional over the rational, utilizing visual language, moving images, sound, and text. Advertising dominates its programming, with news and entertainment programs also prevalent.

Advertising

Advertising aims to inform about products, services, and ideas to encourage consumption.