Classical World Unveiled: Heroes, Epics, and Tragedies
Understanding Ancient Greek & Roman Heroes
A hero in ancient contexts was often a mortal who, upon death, left behind a strong, vivid spirit. Occasionally, figures like Heracles, Orpheus, Aeneas, and Romulus (Aeneas and Romulus were mortal men who became gods after their deaths) ascended to divinity. Heroes were figures of divine and aristocratic origin, allowing them to exist in the space between mortals and gods. They were also recognized for performing extraordinary accomplishments, especially
Read MoreAncient Greek Art & Architecture: A Comprehensive Study
Ancient Greece: Humanism and Historical Periods
In ancient Greece, humanity was considered the axis and measure of all history and fundamental principles. Consequently, great importance was given to the exterior and public life. We can highlight three significant periods in Greek art and culture: Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic.
Greek Architecture: Temples and Orders
In Greek architecture, the temple is the most emphasized edifice, characterized by several key features:
- A gable roof
- A *pediment*
16th Century European Novels: Idealism vs. Realism
The Novel in the 16th Century
The narrative genre experienced a profound renewal in the 16th century. This change was facilitated by the rise of printing, which aided the diffusion of novels. During this period, two main currents emerged: the idealistic novel, rooted in medieval tradition, and the new Italian genre, which recreated idyllic worlds and characters for entertainment. By the mid-16th century, the realist novel also appeared, giving voice to marginal characters and depicting unpleasant
Read MoreMedieval Iberian Lyric Poetry: Forms and Evolution
Lyric Poetry of the 13th Century
Lyric poetry of the 13th century encompasses two main forms:
- Traditional Lyric: Characterized by anonymous, oral transmission.
- Cultured Courtly Lyric: Attributed to known authors and transmitted in writing.
Traditional poetry is generally simpler than its cultured counterpart.
Characteristics of Traditional Lyric
This genre consists of a limited set of songs transmitted orally, primarily focusing on the theme of love. These compositions were sung to accompany farm work,
Read MorePost-War Spanish Poetry: Eras of Transformation (1940-1970)
The evolution of post-war Spanish poetry mirrors that of the novel, characterized by existential themes in the 1940s, social concerns in the 1950s, experimental approaches in the 1960s, and openness to diverse trends from the 1970s onwards.
The 1940s: Post-War Poetic Landscape
In the 1940s, poetry was strongly influenced by the historical situation. Poets sought a sense of reality, often finding it in spirituality or in expressions of complaint. Generally, poetry during this period was highly individualistic,
Read MoreSpanish Renaissance Poetry: Garcilaso de la Vega’s Enduring Legacy
16th-Century Spanish Poetry: Trends and Garcilaso
Poetry in 16th-Century Spain
In Spain, two major trends emerged in 16th-century poetry: traditional Spanish poetry and Italianate poetry.
Traditional Spanish Poetry
In the 15th century, both learned and popular poetry existed. In the 16th century, both types of poetry continued. Learned poetry, in particular, was widely cultivated through the Cancionero General, where compositions abounded with courtly love and troubadour traditions. Popular lyric poetry
Read More