15th-Century Spanish Literature: Transition to the Renaissance
XV Century: The Transition to the Renaissance
1. Historical Context
The fifteenth century in Spain was characterized by frequent clashes between the nobility and the monarchy, the struggle against the Arabs, and tensions with Jews. Royal power weakened, and private ambitions grew. This situation was defused with the arrival of the Catholic Monarchs, who unified the peninsula and concluded the Reconquista.
Three periods mark this era: the court of Juan II, Henry IV (1454-1474), and the reign of the
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Literary Avant-Garde in the Early Twentieth Century
The first decades of the twentieth century (until the outbreak of World War II, approximately) were a period of profound renewal and upheaval in the various arts, including literature. This period saw the rise of leading movements (the so-called “isms”) that challenged supporters of traditional art and literature. Common characteristics of these movements include:
- Open opposition to previous literature and art, aspiring to create works regardless
The Renaissance Lyric and Spanish Literature’s Golden Age
The Renaissance Lyric
Italian Influence
Italian poetry introduced two key innovations: the pentameter and enjambment. These were incorporated into various Renaissance lyric verse forms, including triplets, lira, octave, sonnet, and Sapphic stanza.
Style and Themes
In the early 16th century, poetry emphasized simplicity and natural expression. This new poetry drew inspiration from Neo-Platonism, classical literature, and the Italian poetry of Petrarch.
The dominant theme was love, often portraying women
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The Seventeenth-Century French Theater: A Literary Movement
A Flourishing Era
The sixteenth and seventeenth centuries witnessed a theater boom across Europe, culminating in the development and consolidation of national theaters in England, Spain, and France. In France, the seventeenth century, known as the Grand Siècle, saw a surge in literary activity, particularly in theater. This period’s literature is characterized by a strong adherence to classicism, emphasizing the three unities (action, place,
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Catalan Literature: A Journey Through Time
Jacint Verdaguer: The Romantic Voice of Catalonia
Jacint Verdaguer (1845-1902), a prominent figure in Catalan literature, is considered the great lyric poet of the nineteenth century. Born in Folgueroles in the Osona region, he dedicated ten years to studying the classics and began his poetic journey. In 1865, he was honored at the Floral Games. Ordained as a priest, he served as a chaplain on a ship for two years before leaving to work for the Marquis de
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Verdaguer (1845-1902)
is the great lyric poet of the nineteenth century Catalan. Born in Folgueroles the Osona region. For ten years he studied the classics and began to make poetry.
In 1865 he was awarded the Floral Games. Was ordained priest, he enlisted as a chaplain on a ship. After two years of traveling left the ship and entered the service of the Marquis de Comillas. At around 40 years suffered a religious crisis. The Marquis broke with him. He died in 1902 of tuberculosis. His funeral was