Spanish Literature: From Medieval Times to the Renaissance
Uses of the Pronoun “Se” in Spanish
False “Se”: Used as a personal pronoun to replace le, les (indirect object), when followed by a pronoun lo, la, los, las (direct object).
- Function: Indirect Object
- Equivalent: on, it…
- Example: Se lo di (I gave it to him/her/them – I gave the book).
Reflexive Pronoun: Replaces a noun phrase that matches the subject.
- Function: Direct Object, Indirect Object
- Reinforcement: a sí mismo (himself, herself, itself, themselves)
- Example: Carlos se peina (Carlos combs his hair)
Spanish Renaissance Literature: Key Authors and Works
Fray Luis de León
Fray Luis de León was born in Belmonte, Cuenca, in 1527. He entered the Augustinian order and graduated as a Doctor of Theology from the University of Salamanca. He secured a chair at the university but was jailed for five years for translating the Song of Songs into Castilian and defending the Hebrew text of the Old Testament. He was declared innocent, released, and resumed his university activities until his death in Madrigal de las Altas Torres, Ávila, on August 23, 1591.
Poetry
Fray
Read MoreThe Evolution of Spanish Narrative from the 1970s to Today
Narrative from the Seventies to Date
1. Introduction
Since the 1970s, the narrative has moved away from experimentalism and mere literary games. There has been a renewed interest in history, driven by argument and intrigue, but it does not resemble the typical realism of the nineteenth century or the nearest social realism.
Today’s novels are indebted to both the resources and technical procedures of the narrative renewal of the sixties, as well as to the diverse novelistic traditions of our century,
Read MoreRenaissance Literature of the 16th Century: Key Themes and Figures
XVI Century Literature: The Renaissance: “It’s a cultural movement that involves a change of mind about man in the Middle Ages. It signifies a resurgence of social and aesthetic values that manifest themselves in new artistic forms, giving birth to new expressive and philosophical ideas.
ESCEPTICISMO: Increases a critical attitude against medieval dogmatism. EPICUREÍSMO: Invites moderate enjoyment of life and pleasures. STOICISM: Exalts the dignity of man. Neoplatonism: Defends the beauty of natural
Read MoreThe Life and Trials of Lázaro de Tormes
Treaty 1:
Lázaro de Tormes is an 8-year-old boy whose father was arrested at that age. Lazarus’s mother began having relations with a fellow named Zaide, and Lázaro accepted their relationship because he felt better bringing food home. Then a brother was born to Lazarus’s mother, but their happiness was short-lived because Zaide stole and was caught and whipped.
In an inn, his mother met a blind man who took Lázaro to be his servant. The boy was always trying to steal food from the blind man, who
Read MoreCatalan Literature: Resilience and Renaissance (Franco Era)
Franco Era: Stage 1
Repression was fierce; literature suffered intense censorship and a language barrier. Only minor works on poetic and religious themes appeared. These were years of great isolation, with many imprisoned or exiled.
Franco Era: Stage 2
With the defeat of allied regimes, Franco liberalized the regime for international tolerance. Public expression in Catalan was authorized, new publishers and literary prizes emerged. Catalan literature resurfaced, broadening its horizons.