Post-War Catalan Literature: Key Authors and Themes
Notable Authors
Pere Calders (Post-War Fiction)
In 1936, Pere Calders published his first collection of stories, The First Harlequin. Characteristic of his work is the interplay between reality and the supernatural or magic, often employing humor and irony. Notable works include Units Shock Tomorrow at Three O’Clock in the Morning and Here Lies Nevares.
Pere Quart (Post-War Poetry)
Pere Quart began his career with satirical works and participated in the avant-garde movement. He published his first collection
Read MoreGeneration of ’27: Spanish Literary Movement & Lorca’s Poetry
The Generation of ’27
The Generation of ’27 was a constellation of writers who emerged in Spain around the year 1927, the tercentenary of the death of the Baroque poet Luis de Góngora. Their aesthetic attempted to find common elements between popular culture and Spanish literary and aesthetic avant-gardes. This movement evolved from pure poetry to human engagement, which resulted in the revelation of Surrealism and even political compromise. The group dispersed after the majority went into exile
Read MoreGreek Tragedy and Comedy: Origins and Structure
Origins of Greek Theater
Aristotle, in his Poetics, indicates that tragedy originated with the soloists of the dithyramb. He also mentions a second source: early tragedies, with their humorous language and short plots, evolved from the satyr play. The word “tragedy” has been interpreted as “goat song.” Thespis is often considered the creator of tragedy. Aristotle attributes the origin of comedy to those who sang phallic songs, and explains the name “comedy” as deriving from “revelry song,” though
Read MoreToledo’s School of Translators & Alfonso X’s Legacy
The School of Translators of Toledo
The School of Translators of Toledo was established around the 12th century. It brought together Arab, Christian, and Jewish scholars to translate significant works from other cultures into Latin and then into Romance languages. Under the reign of Alfonso X, the court of Toledo became a hub for the most talented scholars in Europe.
Rigorous Translation Methods
These scholars employed a meticulous method:
- Compilation: Searching for and gathering materials containing
Medieval Spanish Literature: “Cid”, “Love”, and More
“El Mio Cid”: An Epic of Exile and Honor
The poem “El Mio Cid”, composed before 1499, is attributed to multiple authors, including Stephen of Gozman (responsible for the Cid’s banishment, weddings, and the affront at Corpes) and Medina (who reformed the original poem, adding the remaining parts and simplifying the rhymes).
The poem consists of three parts:
- Song of Exile
- Wedding of Metric
- Affront at Corpes
It features irregular meter (6, 7, or 8 syllables per line), assonance, and unequal rhymes.
Artistic
Read MoreSurrealism and the Generation of ’27: Spanish Literature
Surrealism: The Revolutionary Avant-Garde Movement
Surrealism emerged as the most revolutionary and far-reaching avant-garde movement. Originating in 1924, its revolutionary character is evident in its ambition to transform human life. Artistic creation was seen as a path to freedom. Surrealists also employed automatic writing, where the writer transcribes thoughts that occupy their mind when close to sleep. Another technique used was collage (the union of words cut from newspapers, magazines, etc.
Read More