Spanish Novels: Post-War to Late 60s – Existentialism & Realism

The Spanish Novel: From Post-War Era to the Late ’60s

Existentialism in the Novel

In 1942, during the post-war period, Camilo Jose Cela published Pascual Duarte’s Family. Its main features include:

  • Its central theme is the uncertainty surrounding the human condition.
  • It features scenes of harshness: its characters solve their problems violently. His characters are oppressed and marginalized.
  • The narrative predominantly uses a first-person narrator.

Cela began his career as a novelist in the mainstream,

Read More

Understanding the Cultural Significance of the Middle Ages

Historical Epoch: Middle Ages is considered the period between the fall of the Roman Empire (AD 476) and the year 1492, the date of the discovery of America and the conquest of Granada, which determined the end of the Reconquista. It is a period of cultural coexistence between Jews, Christians, and Arabs, which is an enrichment exemplified by the Toledo School of Translators, founded by Archbishop Raymond during the reign of Alfonso X the Wise. The medieval literature ranges from the first literary

Read More

Renaissance History, Society, and Culture in Spain

The Renaissance in Spain: History and Society

The Renaissance in Spain, coinciding with the reigns of Charles I and Philip II, spanned the expansive Spanish empire in Europe and America, marking the early stages of its decline. The gradual evolution of society during the Middle Ages culminated in the consolidation of new economic relationships, favoring the settlement of traders in villages, giving rise to the burguesia. The shift in mentality was even more profound: medieval pessimism gave way to

Read More

Spanish Middle Ages: Society, Culture & Literature

The Spanish Middle Ages (5th-15th Century)

Defining the Period

The Middle Ages in Spain spanned roughly from the 5th century (traditionally 476 – Fall of the Western Roman Empire) to the end of the 15th century (marked by events like the Discovery of America in 1492).

Society Structure

Medieval Spanish society followed a strict hierarchy:

  • The King: Held absolute power.
  • The Clergy: Comprised church officials and personnel.
  • The Nobility: Included courtiers and feudal lords.
  • The Common People: Constituted
Read More

Spanish Poets of the Generation of ’27: Key Figures & Works

Characteristics of the Generation of ’27

The Generation of ’27 (Spanish: Generación del 27) was a group of Spanish poets who shared distinct characteristics. These authors maintained close personal relationships, often centered around the Residencia de Estudiantes in Madrid, a hub of free education and intellectual exchange. In 1927, many participated in a tribute to the Baroque poet Luis de Góngora, whom they admired in their quest for a unique literary language distinct from everyday speech.

Read More

Oratoria y Retórica en la Antigua Grecia: Lisias, Isócrates, Demóstenes

Definición y Orígenes

La oratoria es el arte de hablar en público según una serie de reglas, cuyas técnicas constituyen el discurso, con la finalidad de convencer a un auditorio. La retórica es parte integral de la oratoria, centrada en el estudio concreto de estas técnicas.

Solo en el siglo V a.C. la oratoria se convirtió en género literario. Su mayor logro y desarrollo se dio en el s. IV a.C. El orador es un artífice de la palabra. Su arma es la persuasión. En esto influyeron decisivamente

Read More