Understanding the Core Elements of Theatre and Drama
The Essence of Theatre and Drama
Drama comes from the Greek word that means action. The origin of theatre, like poetry, is in classical Greece. This particular genre distinguishes itself by the absence of a narrative voice (unlike lyrical poetry or novels), with the story unfolding directly through characters’ actions and dialogue. The ultimate goal of theatre is, therefore, its live representation.
The Dual Nature of Theatrical Text
Theatre requires a dual-text approach:
- The Dramatic Text: Verbal and
Spanish Literary Movements & Theater: Early 20th Century
Modernism in Hispanoamérica: A Literary Renovation
Modernism emerged in Hispanoamérica with Rubén Darío and his seminal work, Azul, marking the beginning of a profound literary renovation.
Origins of Modernism: French Poetic Schools
The origins of Modernism highlight two influential schools of poetry cultivated in France:
- Parnassianism: Emphasized beauty, discipline, balance, and rigor. Notable figures include Théophile Gautier.
- Symbolism: Advocated for poetry guided by music and intimacy, using
Renaissance Humanism and Literary Theory in Spain
Humanism in Renaissance Spain
Humanism in Spain flourished through several key periods:
The Catholic Monarchs and Early Humanism
With the Catholic Monarchs, humanistic culture was fostered by the political regime and the international political situation. Key figures include Antonio de Nebrija, and we can point to the founding of the University of Alcalá de Henares. Cardinal Cisneros founded a university, distinct from medieval models, where humanities were fused with religious studies. He also published
Read MoreInfluential Voices: Carmen Laforet and Gabriel Celaya in Spanish Literature
Carmen Laforet: A Literary Life and Legacy
Born in 1921, Carmen Laforet married the journalist and literary critic Manuel Cerezales in Madrid, with whom she had five children.
In 1944, she won the first Nadal Prize with her novel Nada, a first-person narrative delving into the world of young Andrea. This seminal work also received the Fastenrath Prize from the Royal Spanish Academy in 1948 and is considered a key example of the existential realism that dominated European narrative in the 1940s.
Her
Read MoreSpanish Literary Classics: Lazarillo, Cervantes, and Don Quijote
Lazarillo de Tormes: Resources and Style
The autobiographical technique, a novel resource at the time, is employed. Lázaro, as an adult, recounts his youth, detailing the character’s evolution from innocence to maturity. The novel’s style embodies Renaissance simplicity. The work is written in clear language, devoid of rhetorical devices. Through dialogues, it imitates colloquial speech, reflecting the popular world. Irony is another outstanding technical element. The novel is a collection of amusing
Read MoreMastering English Language Arts: Grammar, Writing & Literary Analysis
Essential Grammar & Writing Terms with Examples
| # | Key Term | Quick Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Subject | The noun or pronoun performing the action. | She runs fast. |
| 2 | Verb | A word describing an action or state of being. | She runs. |
| 3 | Auxiliary Verbs | Verbs that assist the main verb. | She is running. |
| 4 | Predicate | The verb and all information related to the subject. | The dog barked loudly. |
| 5 | Subject-Verb Agreement | The verb must match the subject in number (singular/plural). | He walks, they walk. |
| 6 | Simple Sentence | A single complete thought (Independent |