The ’98 Generation: Key Spanish Authors and Works
Generation of ’98: Spanish Literary Renewal
Definition and Origin of the Generation of ’98
The Generation of ’98 was a Spanish literary movement that emerged following the Disaster of ’98 (the Spanish-American War). It advocated for the aesthetic renewal of literature and the socio-cultural regeneration of Spain. This group is considered a true literary generation, notably influenced by the manifestos of Azorín, Baroja, and Machado.
Key Characteristics of the Generation of ’98
- A blend of castizo (traditional
Spanish Literary Currents: Modernism, Generation of ’98, and 20th Century Masters
Spanish Literary Modernism
Modernism is a significant literary movement originating in Latin America, often associated with Rubén Darío as a pioneering figure.
Characteristics of Modernism
- Aestheticism: A pursuit of beauty in all its forms, often idealized and detached from reality. Poetry serves the ideal.
- Escapism: Modernist poets often sought refuge in exotic settings or historical periods.
- Melancholy: A pervasive sense of sadness, often reflected in descriptions of autumnal landscapes and solitary
Poetic Insights: Unveiling Themes and Literary Devices
Song of the Open Road: Analysis & Themes
‘Song of the Open Road’ by American poet Walt Whitman is an extract from his book Leaves of Grass. It embodies themes of optimism, energy, and confidence. Here, the road symbolizes mobility and freedom. The poem is written in free verse, granting the poet significant liberty in choosing words that aptly convey the traveler’s feelings. While lacking a regular meter or rhyme scheme, it employs numerous poetic devices and figures of speech, including:
- Repetition
- Transferred
Partition’s Literary Echoes: Voices of Trauma and Resilience
Literary Reflections on India’s Partition
The Partition of India in 1947 remains a pivotal and deeply traumatic event in South Asian history, leaving an indelible mark on generations. Literature has served as a powerful medium to articulate the multifaceted impacts of this division, moving beyond mere historical accounts to delve into its psychological, social, and philosophical dimensions. This document explores several key literary works that illuminate the human cost and enduring legacy of Partition.
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Rip Van Winkle (Washington Irving, 1819)
Author: Washington Irving | Published: 1819 | Collection: The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.
Setting: The Catskill Mountains, before and after the American Revolution. This isolated, mystical space reflects Romantic themes of nature, nostalgia, and the supernatural.
Plot Overview: Rip Van Winkle, a kind but lazy man, escapes his nagging wife by retreating into the mountains. There, he meets ghostly figures, drinks with them, and falls asleep for 20 years.
Crying in H Mart: Identity, Grief, and Family Bonds
A Comparative Look at Identity, Loss, and Family
Michelle Zauner’s Crying in H Mart is a poignant memoir exploring her profound connection to her Korean heritage, her deep love for her mother, and the immense grief she experiences after her mother’s passing. Through her narrative, Zauner illuminates the intricate relationship between identity and family, demonstrating how profound loss can irrevocably alter one’s life. This memoir offers an intimate perspective on identity, grief, and familial bonds.
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