Spanish Narrative (1939-1970s): From Existentialism to Experimentation
Spanish Narrative from 1939 to the Late Sixties
From Cela and Delibes to Martín-Santos and Laforet, Spanish narrative from 1939 to the late sixties actively sought new ways to break the cultural lethargy of the early postwar years. The output of this phase is usually divided into three periods:
Existentialist Novels (1940-1950)
The environmental conditions of the postwar period determined the themes and narrative techniques of the novels written during this time. Influences from the picaresque novel
Read MoreCervantes’ Narrative Works: From Pastoral to Picaresque
Cervantes’ Narrative Works
5.1 The Galatea (1585)
This pastoral novel, with a simple love plot, is set in a limited space. Interpolated stories, poems, and debates add complexity to the narrative schema. It remains unfinished, with unresolved storylines.
5.2 Exemplary Novels
These novels blend realism and idealism, incorporating various narrative models and folk material. They lack a common framework but explore themes of friendship, love, hypocrisy, and deceit through complex narratives.
Rinconete y
Read MorePrint Journalism: Structure, Functions, and Genres
Print Journalism
The press offers multiple formats—written daily, weekly, graphic magazines, and trade press (athletic, musical, etc.)—whose structure depends on the content and the issuer’s intentions.
Journalistic Space
A newspaper is structured and hierarchical. Its external configuration provides a precise format organized into pages divided into columns. Inside, it is a complex entity divided into multiple sections (national, economic, etc.).
The newspaper’s ranking process prioritizes some
Read More18th-Century Journalism & Don Quixote
18th-Century Journalism
Origins of Journalism
The origins of journalism and the periodical press can be traced back much earlier than the 18th century.
- Volandres Sheets: Appeared in the 15th century, thanks to the invention of printing, becoming widely known and popular.
- Almanacs: Developed during the 16th century, along with semi-annual publications.
- Gazettes: Played an important role in politics and diplomacy. These were European and published weekly.
- Mercury: Published monthly with a more literary
The Life and Adventures of Lazarillo de Tormes: A Picaresque Novel
The Life and Adventures of Lazarillo de Tormes
Introduction
Lazarillo de Tormes, a cornerstone of Spanish literature, is considered a pioneering work in the picaresque novel subgenre. These narratives typically follow a pseudo-autobiographical format, tracing the origins and misadventures of a character. Lazarillo, the protagonist, embodies the picaresque spirit with his strong desire to improve his social standing.
Date and Authorship
The earliest surviving editions of Lazarillo de Tormes date back
Read MoreThe Power and Diversity of Language
The Enduring Importance of Writing
Writing emerged from the necessity to record information related to trade and the organization of cities five thousand years ago. Its use has become essential, evidenced by the immense amount of written information we possess today. While writing began as a social necessity, some companies still lack proficiency in it. In our modern society, writing is an indispensable need.
The Development of Literary Talent
Some attribute literary talent to genetics, but while
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