The Latin American Boom

1. Narrative Renewal in Latin America

1.1 Essentials of the Renewal Narrative

Some key aspects of the narrative renewal in Latin American literature include:

  • New Issues: Highlights the growing interest in urban settings, contrasting with the rural focus of the realist novel.
  • Emergence of Imagination: Introduction of “magic realism” or “magical realism,” where reality and fantasy intertwine within the narrative.
  • Increased Stylistic Care: Authors prioritize innovation and experimentation in their writing
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Medieval Literature and Notable Figures: A Comparative Study

Medieval Literature and Notable Figures

Don Juan Manuel (1282-1348)

Don Juan Manuel, writer of medieval Castile, was the infant son of Don Manuel and nephew of Alfonso X the Wise. He inherited the title of Governor General of the Kingdom of Murcia and actively participated in the political struggles of his time. Initially supporting Ferdinand IV during his minority, he later sided with Alfonso de la Cerda. Upon Alfonso’s fall, he returned to Ferdinand IV, and after the latter’s death, he was involved

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Catalan Literature: Modernism to Post-War

Modernism

Poetry

Poets believed in pure poetry, emphasizing lyrical qualities and balanced form. Carles Riba, a key symbolist poet, explored themes of self and personal identity. Josep Vicenç Foix blended elements from various literary traditions.

Narrative

The Catalan novel was revived through two paths: the reappearance of Modernist narrators and the emergence of young, innovative storytellers. Modernist novels focused on the clash between individuals and society, and the marginalization of the elderly.

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Spanish Literature of the 20th Century: Modernism, Generation of ’98 & Avant-Garde

Spanish Literature of the 20th Century

Modernism and the Generation of ’98

Modernism, with figures like Rubén Darío and José Martí, was influenced by French poets. However, Spanish poets were initially slow to embrace this movement. Rubén Darío was rejected on his first trip to Spain by Unamuno, but was welcomed on his second trip and traveled with modernists like Antonio Machado. Some examples of modernist architecture include the Sagrada Familia.

Characteristics of Modernism

  • Aestheticism: Rebellion
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Spanish Golden Age Poetry: Styles, Themes, and Metrics

Verbal Periphrasis Classes

Respect

Expresses if the verbal action has ended or continues to develop in the present.

Inchoative

Expresses an action that will begin shortly.

Durative

Expresses an unfinished action. As the gerund is imperfect aspect, all periphrases formed by a gerund are durative.

Perfect

Expresses an action that has finished. As the participle has finished or perfect aspect, all periphrases formed by a participle are perfect.

Frequentative

Expresses actions that resume shortly after finishing.

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Generation of ’27: Spanish Avant-Garde Poetry

Surrealism and the Avant-Garde in Spain

The avant-garde movement flourished in Spain, particularly during the 1920s and 1930s. Influenced by Surrealism, artists and writers gathered in hubs like Café Pombo and published their works in magazines such as Literary Gazette and Revista de Occidente. Key figures include Ramón Gómez de la Serna, a pioneer of the avant-garde, and Chilean poet Vicente Huidobro. Creationism and Surrealism, originating in Paris, were prominent movements. The Spanish avant-

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