Spanish Literature & Language

Expressions of Opinion

When expressing opinions, use phrases like "In my opinion" or "My point of view," or first-person verbs such as "I believe" or "I think."

Argumentation

Opinions should be supported by arguments. Use causal conjunctions like "It seems inappropriate because..." or "Because..."

Arguments can be strengthened with adjectives that express an evaluation of reality.

The Verb Phrase

The verb phrase acts as the predicate of a sentence, and its core is a verb.

Verbs indicate actions (studying, running, laughing) or states (being, seeming) and express time.

• Verbal moods include indicative, subjunctive, and imperative.

Clarín's Stories

Clarín, the pseudonym of Leopoldo Alas, wrote the novel The Judge's Wife.

He also authored articles set in Asturias, denouncing social injustice and advocating for the vulnerable.

Narrative and Descriptive Text

Narrative texts tell a story that happens to characters in a specific time and place. Descriptive texts depict a person, object, place, or process.

Basic textual forms (narrative, description, and dialogue) can appear in isolation or combination.

Romantic Narrative Poetry

Romantic narrative poetry often features legends, historical events, and fictional stories.

While various poetic forms exist, octosyllabic verse is common.

Frequent themes include love, the meaning of life, and social criticism through the exaltation of marginalized individuals.

Dialogue

Dialogue is text in which two or more speakers alternate turns.

In narrative dialogue, the narrator presents the speakers' words. In theatrical texts, character dialogue is accompanied by stage directions, which guide the play's staging.

Bécquer's Legends

Bécquer's fantastic legends are rooted in reality and draw from folk tradition.

Supernatural elements are a constant presence in these stories.

Set in various Spanish cities, primarily in or near ancient times, the legends explore themes of love, music, religion, and more.

Argumentation

Exposition and argumentation are also textual modalities.

Argumentative texts offer a reasoned defense of an opinion or point of view (thesis).

They aim to persuade through arguments and evidence.

• Data, examples, facts, and quotes from reputable figures serve as arguments.

Contextual Synonyms

Some terms are synonymous only within specific contexts (e.g., "boy" and "student").

Galdós's Novels

Benito Pérez Galdós is a prominent figure in realist novels.

His novel Marianela explores the relationship between Pablo, a young blind man, and Marianela, a girl-woman characterized by her ugliness and imagination. A medical operation restores Pablo's sight, and he falls in love with his beautiful cousin Florentina. Marianela dies of grief and shame.