Ancient Literature: Myths, Epics, and Dramatic Arts
Ancient Literature: An Overview
Topic 1: Ancient Literature
1. The Nature of Tragedies
Greek tragedies evoke pity, sadness, or terror, leading the soul through a process of purification known as catharsis. This involves the viewer perceiving human misery, the painful restoration of order, and the concept of trauma. The tragic form explores the religious and political antagonism between man and the cosmos, highlighting the complex relationship between man and power. Introduced by the Greeks, tragedies
Read MoreGeneration of ’27: A Poetic Renaissance
Generation of ’27
Overview
The Generation of ’27 refers to a group of Spanish poets active in the 1920s and 30s. Sharing aesthetic principles and often publishing in the same journals—like the Journal of the West and The Literary Gazette—they gathered at the University of Seville to commemorate the tercentenary of Góngora’s death.
Key Characteristics
This group demonstrated a unique blend of tradition and innovation:
- Balance between Intellect and Emotion: Though sometimes labeled intellectual,
20th Century Hispanic Novels and Short Stories
The Hispanic Novels and Short Stories in the Second Half of the 20th Century
The Evolution of Latin American Fiction
The evolution of Latin American fiction during the 20th century can be described in five movements:
- Initial Years of the Century: Remains faithful to 19th-century realism.
- From 1920: Realism is consolidated with American themes and social interest.
- Years 40 and 50: Follow one another refreshing experience, consistent with social stress.
- Years 60 to 70: There is a boom of the new narrative,
20th Century Spanish Theater: From Modernism to Post-Franco Era
Theater in the First Half of the 20th Century
Modernist Theater and the Generation of ’98
At the beginning of the century, inherited theatrical forms from the previous century continued to be represented. Until 1920, there was no noticeable attempt to renovate the theater. Authors of the Generation of ’98 and ’27 laid the groundwork for innovative theatrical creations that transcended Spain’s borders.
A ‘commercial’ theater triumphed in these early decades. Enduring works by Carlos Arniches and the
Read MoreMedieval Spanish Literature: Lyrics, Epics, and Prose
Medieval Spanish Literature
Lyrical Poetry
Jarchas and Cantigas de Amigo
The Mozarabic jarchas and Galician-Portuguese cantigas de amigo, along with Castilian songs, share lyrical patterns common across the Iberian Peninsula. As oral literature, their exact composition dates are unknown. We know these lyric forms through medieval and Renaissance manuscripts. The jarchas date from the mid-11th to the first half of the 14th century. The cantigas de amigo date from the late 12th to the late 14th century.
Read MoreLullaby and Other Existential Poems: Exploring Life, Death, and Love
Lullaby (Existential/Parental Love)
Written after the loss of his child, this poem personifies death as a constant companion rooted in the poet’s existence. Despite the pain, the poet finds solace in the memory of his daughter. This lullaby, with its gentle, rhyming verses, is a tender expression of love and grief.
So, Please (Existential)
This monosyllabic poem, using onomatopoeia and dialogue, portrays death’s silent arrival and the void it leaves behind. The simplicity of the poem emphasizes death’
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