20th Century Spanish Literature: Movements and Authors
Item 8: The Preceding Narrative of ’36
1. Modernism
Valle-Inclán’s Sonatas: A series of memoirs narrated by the Marquis of Bradomín, recounting his amorous adventures. Each sonata corresponds to a season and a love affair.
2. Generation of ’98
Characteristics:
- Focus on the present, diminishing the importance of the story.
- Central character with internal conflicts.
- Emphasis on dialogue, reducing the narrator’s role.
- Internal struggles of the protagonist as the central theme.
Themes:
- Concern for Spain’s decline.
Evolution of Spanish Literature in the 1800s
Nineteenth-Century Spain
The nineteenth century in Spain began with the War of Independence (1808-1814) and ended with the loss of its overseas colonies in 1898. The first half of the century saw the reigns of Ferdinand VII (1814-1833) and Isabel II (1833-1868).
Romanticism
Romanticism had its roots in the previous century in Germany, with writers like Goethe (1749-1832) and Schiller (1759-1805). Reason was replaced by the romantic spirit, emphasizing freedom and sentiment. Key figures include Gustavo
Read MoreSpanish Baroque Literature: An In-Depth Analysis
Spanish Baroque Literature
1. Baroque Prose
Baroque prose narratives are categorized into two main types: the picaresque novel and the satirical novel. The latter often incorporates philosophical, moral, political, or literary criticism.
2. Narrative Prose
2.1. The Picaresque Novel
The picaresque novel, exemplified by Mateo Alemán’s Guzmán de Alfarache, follows the structure established by Lazarillo de Tormes:
- Fictional autobiography
- Episodic structure
- Themes of shame and survival
- Dishonorable protagonist
Alemán
Read MoreRenaissance Literature: Themes, Authors, and Prose Styles
Evaluation: Themes and Poetic Motifs
(Topics)
A: Carpe diem (enjoy today), inviting enjoyment of the present moment.
B: Colligite, virgo, rosas (gather ye rosebuds, maiden), urging young couples to enjoy love before beauty fades.
C: Locus amoenus (pleasant place), depicting a green meadow, a refuge for the poet to express love’s suffering.
D: The Golden Mean, praising a moderate life, detached from ambition.
E: Beatus ille (happy is he), expressing regret for a life away from worldly chaos, seeking nature’
Read MoreFederico García Lorca’s The House of Bernarda Alba: Context and Analysis
Federico García Lorca and The House of Bernarda Alba
Author’s Background
Federico García Lorca, born June 5, 1898, in Fuente Vaqueros, Granada, was a pivotal figure in Spanish literature. His childhood in rural Andalusia and later studies in Almería and Granada shaped his appreciation for folklore. At the University of Granada, he befriended Manuel de Falla, further fueling his interest in popular traditions. From 1919 to 1928, Lorca resided in Madrid’s student residence, where he connected with
Spanish Golden Age: Renaissance & Religious Literature
Historical Events
The Golden Age began under the Catholic Monarchs with the Reconquista and the discovery of America. Economic growth came from Atlantic ports and precious metals from America. Politically, the Hispanic monarchy controlled vast territories. Scientific advancements occurred in engineering, mining, and navigation. Socially, many Spaniards migrated to Europe.
Society and Thought
Graeco-Latin culture revived after the Middle Ages, with a focus on humanism. Translations flourished, and vernacular
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