Latin American Literature: From Asturias to the Boom
Miguel Angel Asturias
Asturias’s work explores two key themes:
- Socio-political concerns
- Exploration of Latin American folklore and myths
Mr. President
- Published in 1946
- Critiques the Guatemalan dictatorship of Estrada Cabrera
- Employs the grotesque technique, distorting reality and exaggerating its features
- Utilizes popular myths, black humor, dreams, and various text types
- Presents a distorted and often cruel vision of reality
Miguel’s Literary Originality
Asturias’s unique approach to realism delves into
Read MoreVictorian Poetry and Pre-Raphaelite Art
Victorian Poetry II: Eminent Victorian Women
Key Issues:
- Isolation of women in domestic life
- Women as artists (challenges and prejudices)
- Approaches to spiritual issues and religion
- Uses of metaphors
Emily Brontë (1818-1848) – Stars:
Brontë, known for her shyness and unorthodox religious convictions, finds solace in the stars. The night sky offers calmness, peace, and a sense of belonging, contrasting with the oppressive and violent sun that symbolizes the constraints of daytime life for women.
Elizabeth
Read MoreThe Day of Resurrection and Judgment
40. It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor does the night outstrip the day. They all float, each in an orbit.
41. And an Ayah (sign) for them is that We bore their offspring in the laden ship [of Nuh (Noah)].
42. And We have created for them of the like thereunto, so on them they ride.
43. And if We will, We shall drown them, and there will be no shout (or helper) for them (to hear their cry for help) nor will they be saved.
44. Unless it be a mercy from Us, and as an enjoyment for a while.
Read MoreJehovah’s Justice and Mercy: Understanding God’s Actions
Why God’s Justice Should Not Repel Us
Jehovah’s ability to justly end sinful mankind highlights the greatness of his mercy and undeserved kindness in offering salvation. He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but he will not allow wickedness to continue unchecked. His patience allows for repentance, but he will not tolerate actions that bring reproach upon his name.
The Issues Determining Our Future
Jehovah will not forever tolerate those who follow Satan’s lead. They face a day of reckoning
Read MoreAnalysis of Poems by Antonio Machado
Lemon Languid
This poem explores themes of memory and nostalgia, likely from the early stages of Machado’s poetic career. The poem is divided into two parts:
- Verses 1-5: The author sets the scene with a vivid image of a lemon tree laden with fruit hanging over a fountain.
- Verses 6-23: The author delves into his memories, describing the sights, sounds, and smells of the scene, including the aroma of lemons and the feeling of the afternoon sun.
The poem utilizes several literary devices, such as:
- Epithets:
Spanish Literature: Generation of ’98 and Noucentisme Movement
Miguel de Unamuno
Aesthetics
- Vision (desolate) from Spain: Unamuno uses the essay as a technique to analyze the essence of the Spanish soul.
- Search for the Meaning of Life: He tries to project his angst, giving priority to reason.
A New Narrative Technique: The <>
The <> is a new narrative technique characterized by:
- Rejection of any a priori commitment to formal principles
- Abolition of descriptions and situations
- Presentation of the protagonist in an existential struggle
- Increasing importance