Spanish Literary Periods and Expository Text Structures

Spanish Literary Periods & Expository Forms

The Enlightenment (18th Century)

The Enlightenment (18th century, c. 1700-1789) was a period of thought based on reason (rationalism), verification, and experimentation. It emphasized didactic texts for societal progress.

Prominent Enlightenment Authors

• Benito Jerónimo Feijoo

  Benito Jerónimo Feijoo (1676-1764) was a Benedictine monk who considered the diffusion of culture essential for societal development. His notable works include Universal Critical Theater and Erudite and Curious Letters.

• José Cadalso

  José Cadalso (1741-1782) was an intelligent, educated author, often prone to pessimism. His epistolary novel, Moroccan Letters, consists of 90 letters exchanged by three characters, criticizing Spain's political, economic, and social development.

• Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos

  Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos (1744-1811) was one of the most recognized intellectuals of his time, serving at the court of Charles III. His works had a didactic purpose, focusing on political and economic content, such as his Report on the Agrarian Law and Memoir on Public Spectacles.

Neoclassical Literature

Neoclassical Theater in Spain

Neoclassical theater aimed for classical forms, though works were still representing Baroque forms and themes. The attempt to create a purely neoclassical theater was largely a failure.

• Leandro Fernández de Moratín

  The most famous author was Leandro Fernández de Moratín, whose plays reflected the society of his time. His work, The Girls' Consent, notably criticizes societal norms regarding marriage.

Neoclassical Poetry and Fables

Neoclassical poetry, particularly the fable, dealt with historical issues and customs. It was primarily didactic.

• Tomás de Iriarte & Félix María de Samaniego

  Its maximum representatives were Tomás de Iriarte (1750-1791) and Félix María de Samaniego (1745-1801), creators of fables such as The Grasshopper and the Ant and The Milkmaid.

Romanticism (Late 18th to Mid-19th Century)

Romanticism (c. 1789-1850) was based on feelings and subjectivity, contrasting with the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason. In Spain, it started and ended slightly later (c. 1833-1860).

Understanding Expository Text Forms

Expository texts aim to inform, describe, or explain.

Types of Expository Text Structures

• Narrative Structure

  Narrative: Relates events or facts in a particular time sequence and structure.

• Descriptive Structure

  Description: Describes, classifies, or compares people, objects, and activities. Can be:

  • Sub-types of Description

    • Descriptive Attributes: Where attributes, parts, or the function of an entity or object are presented.
    • Comparison-Contrast: Used in texts that highlight similarities and differences between people or objects.
    • Enumeration: Lists beings or objects that share the same characteristics or circumstances.

• Argumentative Structure

  Argumentation: Presents reasons and data to persuade the acceptance of an idea. May be:

  • Sub-types of Argumentation

    • Cause and Effect: Analyzes the cause of an event and its resulting effects.
    • Problem-Solution: Provides solutions, often indicated by specific connectors.

Categories of Expository Texts

Expository texts can be:

• Informative: Aimed at a wide range of people.
• Specialized: Aimed at a specialized audience with extensive knowledge on the topic.