Key Features of Roman Architecture and Sculpture
Roman Architecture
Historical Introduction
The history of the Roman Empire began in the eighth century BC on the Italian peninsula with the founding of Rome.
General Features
Roman architecture had an official status (works were commissioned and paid for by the state) and was utilitarian (buildings were in the service of citizens, meant to be used). This led to the importance of interior space, unlike the Greek concept. Consequently, technique became more important than the concept of beauty in Rome,
Read MoreMedieval Chronicles: Key Figures and Literary Works
The Chronicles
- Chronicle: The facts speak of the era.
- Epica: Those who sing of glories, importance, type genus. It lacks great battles, great victories, great defeats, and real characters.
- Songs feat: Poems speak of battles or wars.
Medieval Chronicles
- James I: (King Conqueror), the characters say exactly what they mean. Is characterized by providentialism (belief that victories are due to divine designation).
- Bernard Desclot: Documents do not explicitly name Bernard Desclot. He sometimes signed as Desclot,
Post-1936 Poetry: Trends, Authors, and Social Commentary
Poetry After 1936: A Literary Overview
From 1936 to 1939, both the Republican and Nationalist sides developed a literature of ideological propaganda. The poem became a weapon of struggle, praising those who were different, the dead comrade, or attacking the enemy. From a literary quality standpoint, this was rather low, though the figure of Miguel Hernández is noted. Since the Civil War, poetry can be divided into four stages:
- The 1940s: Classic poetry of nationalist fervor and evasion, alongside
Spanish Golden Age & Enlightenment Literature Highlights
Lope de Vega (1562-1635)
Founder of the ‘new comedy’, his works reflect this successful theatrical formula. His main characteristic is agility in action. Born in Madrid, he had a very intense life, with many love passions and great religious devotion. His works gave theatre great popularity.
Drama Types:
- Dramas of Unjust Power: Depict abuses by a nobleman in a rural area. In the end, the king dispenses justice, not favouring the villain. E.g., Fuenteovejuna.
- Swashbuckling Comedy (Comedia de Capa y Espada)
Postmodernism in Spanish Literature & The Latin American Boom
Postmodernism in Literature
Characteristics of Postmodernism
The postmodern aesthetic often rejects overarching ideologies, mixing distinct disciplines such as literature, movies, and music culture. It defends popular styles and involves the fusion of genres (e.g., incorporating elements from comics) and concise references. Relativism, favoring individual thinking, irony, and humor, are common features.
Postmodern Spanish Literature (Since 1975)
Postmodern Spanish Poetry
Key characteristics include:
- Focus
Miguel de Cervantes: Life, Works, and Literary Contributions
Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616)
Born in Alcalá de Henares, Miguel de Cervantes studied in Seville. In 1569, he traveled to Italy and participated in military campaigns. At the Battle of Lepanto, he was wounded in his left hand. In 1575, he headed back to Spain and was captured by Barbary pirates. After five years of captivity in Algiers, he was rescued and was able to return. Installed in Madrid, he began his life as a writer. It is known that he swept Andalusia, where he served as commissioner
Read More