Catalan Literature in the Postwar Franco Era
What impact did the postwar Franco dictatorship have on language and literature? How did the situation evolve in Catalan literature during the war?
During the early postwar years, Catalan literature remained latent. During the forties and fifties, there were fundamental works by authors such as Josep Carner and J.V. Foix. Yet, despite this echo of hope, Catalan would be banned for a considerable period. Both the publication of books and plays in Catalan had to wait for more favorable years, starting
Read MoreSpanish Romanticism: Authors, Theater, and Historical Novels
The Historical Novel in 19th-Century Spain
In the mid-nineteenth century, the historical novel was the literary genre in fashion. Many authors followed in the footsteps of Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, and especially Walter Scott, whose works, optimistic and encouraging the empowerment of the actors, fit perfectly within the liberal ideology.
In the historical novels of Spanish Romanticism, the selection of cases was usually guided by the ability to draw parallels with contemporary problems. The extensive
Read MoreAra Pacis: Symbolism and History of the Roman Altar of Peace
Ara Pacis: Symbolism and History
General Documentation
Year: 13 BCE
Name: Altar of Peace (Ara Pacis)
Material: Marble
Technique: Cut, Embossed
Location: Rome
Formal Analysis
Brief Description of Work: The Ara Pacis is a square building on a raised podium, with two doors, one on the east and one on the west side. The enclosure was approximately square. The small temple, now enclosed in a portico with columns, was an area dedicated to the *Numen* of peace. Numen is the representation of a deity or divinity.
Read MoreSpanish Literature: From Generation of ’98 to Post-War
Spanish Literature: From the Generation of ’98 to Post-War
The Narrative of the Century up to 1939
The literary renewal of the Generation of ’98 is characterized by the following features:
- Predominance of an ideology, within the concept of engaged art, with the determination to get to the bottom of the issues, and formulate solutions, if only purely subjective, abstract, or theoretical (i.e., literary).
- Driven by intense philosophical concerns, the components of the generation raised questions about
Spanish Literature: From Medieval Epics to the Golden Age
Epics
Epics stand out in France with the Songs of Roland, in England with Beowulf, and in Germany with the Nibelung. In Spain, during the Middle Ages, there was a long tradition of epic poetry in Castilian. These are historical stories written in verse, based on heroes. The most important thing for them is honor in a chivalrous society.
Sources: These epics were created from different sources: the carmina maiiorum, the French epic, and Arab-Andalusian epics and folklore. The literary tradition of
Read MoreSpanish Novelists Before the 20th Century: Azorín, Valle-Inclán, Unamuno, and Baroja
36 Prior to the Novel
Azorín (1873-1968)
Azorín evolved from youthful anarchism to a very clear conservatism. What is most striking in his novels is that the borders between essays and novels are blurred. In these novels, the plot is less important, seeming more like an excuse to link rooms or a gallery of characters. Notable works include The Will, Confessions of a Small Philosopher, and Doña Inés. Language plays a key role because the style is very slow and clear. Descriptions are accomplished
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