Medieval to Baroque Poetry and Prose: A Literary Journey
Medieval Poetry
The Middle Ages and Lyric Poetry
Medieval poetry reflects the confluence of languages and cultures. We distinguish between:
- Cultured-Medieval Lyric: Derived from Provençal troubadour poetry.
- Cans: Male emitter, female recipient; love as a service with four stages.
- Sirvent: Used for expression, repression, or personal attack.
- Gallego-Portuguese Love Songs (13th-14th centuries): Influence of Provençal poetry, varied metrics, songbooks, jokes, and satire.
- Cantigas Curse: Direct attacks on
20th Century Literature: American, Latin American, & Spanish
20th Century American Literature
Latin American Narrative (Mid-20th Century)
Latin American narrative emerged as a highly original form of universal literature, characterized by its rejection of strict realism.
Early Protagonists of Renewal
- Miguel Ángel Asturias (Nobel Prize winner, precursor to magical realism, masterpiece: Mr. President)
- Alejo Carpentier
- Jorge Luis Borges (universal classic, themes: time, death, destiny; major works: Ficciones, El Aleph)
- Juan Rulfo (El llano en llamas, Pedro Páramo)
Spanish Golden Age Literary Movements
Renaissance Ideological Movement
Themes in Renaissance Literature
- Love: Subjectivity of the poet expressing personal feelings.
- Nature: Poetic action in idealized landscapes, often with Greek and Latin myths.
Garcilaso de la Vega
Represents the spirit of Spain in the first half of the 16th century. Died young on the battlefield. His works are short but of high quality, containing essential themes and resources.
- Sonnets: Wrote 40 sonnets, almost all on love.
- Eclogues: Three pastoral elegies.
- Songs: Four songs
Renaissance Humanism: Cultural Rebirth and Human Potential
Renaissance Humanism: A Cultural Rebirth
Renaissance Humanism, originating in 14th-century Europe, marked a significant cultural rebirth across art, literature, religion, politics, and science. It was a movement rooted in optimism and a renewed focus on human potential.
A. Return to Classical Culture
This era witnessed a revival of classical Greek and Roman culture. The Church, particularly through its monasteries and libraries, had preserved ancient knowledge. Discoveries like Pompeii and Herculaneum
Read MoreSpanish Literary Movements: Modernism to Post-War
Modernism
Artistic movement of the late 20th century entering Spain from Latin America. Renewed poetic language and restored beauty in art.
Modern Poetry
Beauty is the main objective of Modernism.
- Metric: Pursuing musicality and rhythm, verse of ten syllables and Alexandrine verse, acute rhyme is used.
- Style: High and refined.
- Topics:
- Sensuality
- Exoticism
- Universalism
- Inwardness and melancholy
Generation of 98
Group of authors of the same age who suffered the disaster of 1898. These authors proposed solutions
Read MoreEvolution of Hispano-American Literature: Magical Realism and Beyond
Hispano-American Literature: A Fusion of Magic and Reality
In the 1940s, Hispano-American literature experienced a renaissance, incorporating legendary, mythical, and magical elements from indigenous and African traditions. These cultural elements blended seamlessly with the narrative’s real plane, giving rise to magical realism, a defining characteristic of Hispano-American narrative for decades.
Key Figures of the Early Period
- Miguel Ángel Asturias (Guatemala): A leading exponent of magical realism.