History and Evolution of the Catalan Language
The Catalan Language: 18th to Early 20th Century
The 18th Century: Military Occupation and Repression
The 18th century began with the War of Succession following the death of Charles II. Catalonia largely supported Charles of Austria, while Castile favored Philip of Anjou. Philip V’s victory and the subsequent 1715 Decree of Nueva Planta suppressed Catalan institutions. Catalan was no longer official and faced persecution, leading to a decline in its use. Prohibitions on Catalan affected education,
Read MoreSpanish Novel’s Evolution in Democracy
The Spanish Novel’s Evolution in Democracy
The end of the dictatorship, the restoration of the monarchy, and the advent of democracy in Spain ushered in a new literary era starting in the last quarter of the 20th century.
A key characteristic of this period is the shift away from the experimentalism of previous decades. A new generation of writers emerged, returning to classic storytelling, prioritizing plots that captivated readers. This marked a resurgence of the novel’s narrative function, which
Read MoreImagery and Symbolism in Miguel Hernández’s Poetry
Images and Symbols in the Poetry of Miguel Hernández
Early Works
In his early poems, Miguel Hernández draws imagery from the landscapes of his native Orihuela, using symbols like lemon, fig, and patio. These are evident in poems like “Insomnia and Remember…”, reflecting the pastoral tradition. The recurring image of the shepherd poet is seen in lines like “Squatting, milking / one goat and a dream.”
“Lust” explores erotic desire within a bucolic setting (“Where to find the nymph / that my sex has
Read MoreAncient Roman Family Life, Culture, and Mythology
Living in Family
A Large Family
Family was a pillar of Roman society, dominated by the pater familias. This oldest male held authority over his wife, children, slaves, and freedmen. He had legal power over family members. Upon his death, the next oldest male would become the pater familias.
Roman Women
Roman society was patriarchal, and women could not be emancipated. From birth until marriage, a woman was under the authority of a male relative. Upon his death, a tutor was assigned. However, compared
Read MoreSpanish Literature: A Journey Through 20th-Century Movements
Avant-Garde Movements
The avant-garde aimed to revolutionize artistic expression and reflect the contemporary world. This resulted in an explosion of simultaneous movements, including:
Expressionism (1905):
A literary and artistic movement emphasizing intensified and distorted reality to express irrationality. Key figure: Ramón del Valle-Inclán.Futurism (1909):
Launched by Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, futurism celebrated science, technology, and modern culture. Introduced to Spain by Ramón Gómez de
Ancient Germanic Peoples: Customs, Warfare, and Society
Ancient Germanic Civilization
Land and People
Germany is separated from Gaul and Pannonia by the Rhine and Danube rivers. Mountains and mutual fear separate it from the Sarmatians and Dacians. The ocean surrounds the rest, encompassing vast gulfs and islands, home to recently discovered peoples.
All Germanic peoples share similar traits: fierce blue eyes, reddish-blond hair, large bodies built for combat. They tolerate thirst and heat poorly, accustomed to cold and hunger due to the climate and soil.
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