Captain Alatriste: A thrilling adventure in 17th century Madrid
Captain Alatriste’s Adventures in 17th Century Madrid
Setting the Scene
The story unfolds in 17th century Madrid, as evidenced by numerous references to well-known locations and streets within the city, including El Escorial. The text vividly describes the setting: “I looked out the window. Above the roofs of the street of the Child, the gray clouds, threatening, crowding in the skies above Madrid did everything more sinister.”
Characters
A cast of memorable characters populates the narrative, including:
Read MoreSentence Types in Spanish Grammar
Types of Sentences According to the Speaker’s Attitude
Declarative Sentences
Declarative sentences correspond basically to declarative speech acts and have no necessary markings (type unchecked). We could simplify by saying that a statement is communicated without a fact. They may be positive: María José is dark, or negative: Marina is not brown.
Interrogative Sentences
Through an interrogative sentence, the speaker asks a question. They are characterized by the interrogative intonation and, sometimes,
Read MoreMadame Bovary: A Critical Analysis of Flaubert’s Masterpiece
Part 1: Introduction to Charles and Emma Bovary
Flaubert’s Madame Bovary opens with an introduction to the main characters, Charles and Emma. The novel details their childhoods, upbringings, family backgrounds, and aspirations. This allows readers to form an understanding of their personalities by interpreting their behavior and reactions.
Part 2: Emma’s Search for an Escape
The second part marks a new phase in the Bovarys’ marriage. Emma seeks an escape from her suffocating life. No longer content
Read MoreThe Marquis of Bradomín: A Love Story
Synopsis
The Marquis de Bradomín arrives from Italy at the Gardini family castle to visit the ailing Cardinal Gaetani. He becomes enamored with María Rosario, one of the Princess’s five daughters. While the family mourns the Cardinal’s passing, María Rosario prepares to take her vows as a nun. The Marquis, consumed by his love, pursues her despite her resistance. His nightly wanderings in the castle garden lead to a fateful encounter with María Rosario, and a series of mysterious events involving
Read MoreThe Other Girl: A Spanish Comedy of Errors
The Other Girl: A Spanish Comedy of Errors
Act One
Scene I
Don Diego and Simon wait at the inn for Irene and Doña Paquita. Don Diego leaves her room and speaks with Simon. He shares a secret with Simon, who initially misunderstands the plan to marry Don Diego to the sixteen-year-old Doña Paquita. Simon believes the plan involves Don Diego’s nephew, Don Carlos. Don Diego’s true intention is to marry Doña Paquita himself, despite his age (fifty-nine).
Scene II
Doña Paquita arrives with her mother,
Read MoreNarrative Techniques in Full Moon
1. Narrative Techniques
1.1. Actions and History
Full Moon tells the story of a policeman with 14 years of experience in the Basque Country. Haunted by constant pain and a broken marriage, he relocates to a small city in the south with the mission of finding the murderer of a 9-year-old girl. There, he encounters a reincarnated teacher who brings joy back into his life.
1.2. Characters
- Rounded Characters: Dynamic characters with complex personalities. Examples include the inspector, Susan Gray, Fatima,