Evolution of Spanish Novels: Realism to Modernity
Novel 50: Social Realism
The alarmist and introspective novel evolves into a social novel, seeking objectivity through detailed descriptions of environments. It manifests a critical attitude towards society. Novelists opposed to the regime feel the need for commitment to transform the political system. This shift in narrative renewal is led by The Hive (1951) by Camilo José Cela (1926), not published in Spain until 1962 due to censorship. The action takes place in Madrid, in a sordid environment
Read MorePompeii’s Tragic Poet House & Roman Art Treasures
Tragic Poet House in Pompeii
The House of the Tragic Poet (domus) in Pompeii had two flats, but only the ground floor is preserved. It features two large rooms, an enclosed courtyard (atrium), and a courtyard surrounded by a portico with columns (peristyle). Two entrances (tabernae) opened to the street. The domus is entered through a vestibule leading to the atrium, which has an opening (compluvium) with a rectangular basin (impluvium) to collect water. Guest rooms (cubicula) surround the atrium.
Read MoreSpanish Literary Masters: Berceo, Ruiz, Manrique
Gonzalo de Berceo: Didactic Literature Serving Faith
Berceo’s work, not meant to be original, draws from written sources, lending it authority. His works are classified as:
1. Lives of Saints: Lives of Santo Domingo de Silos, San Millán de la Cogolla, Martyrdom of St. Lawrence, and Life of St. Oria.
2. Doctrinal Works.
3. Marian Works: Miracles of Our Lady.
Style Features:
- Simple style
- Reliance on written sources
- Tendency to romanticize
- Use of minstrel resources, like vocatives and oral literature expressions
- Rhetorical
Latin Expressions Decoded
1. Single Latin Words
Bis: Twice
Surplus: What is spare
Idem: The same (indicates repetition)
Junior: The youngest (originally used to distinguish a son from his senior father)
Memorandum: What to remember (a booklet, notebook, or note)
Unborn Child: What is to be born (legal term for a human fetus)
Referendum: Ad referendum, to consult (submitting a query to voters or their representatives)
Ultimatum: Last call
Quorum: Required number of attendees for a valid vote (from praesentia sufficit quorum, whose
Read MorePostwar Intellectual and Artistic Movements in Europe
Avant-Garde Movements
In the emerging postwar intellectual landscape, avant-garde cultural and artistic movements blossomed in Europe. These movements represented a refreshing change, with followers seeking a social revolution driven by their contempt for traditional societal norms. Key characteristics included a rejection of earlier artistic styles, an emphasis on creativity and originality, experimentation with irrationality, and a playful, often nonsensical approach to art.
Key Movements:
- Futurism
Roman Empire: History, Mythology, Archeology & Phrases
History
Second Triumvirate & Rise of Augustus
The Second Triumvirate was formed by Octavian, Antony, and Lepidus. Octavian consolidated power by marginalizing Lepidus and defeating Marc Antony and Cleopatra at the naval Battle of Actium in 31 BC. This event marks the beginning of the Roman Empire, with Octavian becoming Emperor Augustus (Princeps).
Augustus held the powers of imperium (supreme military power), protestas tribunicia (right to veto), and Pontifex Maximus (highest religious authority)
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