Post-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 MoreLa Celestina: Renaissance Theater’s Defining Work
Renaissance Theater and La Celestina
Compared to religious drama, the late 15th century marks the beginning of a new generation: Renaissance theater. Among the major works of this period, a significant genre is La Celestina, a drama written to be read, not performed, which mimics the Italian humanist comedy.
Fernando de Rojas: The Author
Fernando de Rojas was a man of laws, a converso, born in Toledo around 1475. He lived in various Castilian cities until his death in 1541. Rojas found the first act
Read MoreAncient Greek Art & Romanization: Cultural Impact
There are three characteristics that best define Greek art: harmony, proportion, and beauty.
Greek Architecture: Styles & Structures
Greek architecture is characterized by its use of lintel and column-supporting elements. From the sixth century BC, the main materials used were stone and white marble, which could then be painted in bright colors. The plans were rectangular, and the roof, made with a double slope (gabled), was supported by a wall surrounded by columns. The interior was divided into
Read MoreSpanish Literary Masters: Generation of ’98 Novelists
The Generation of ’98 Novelists: Literary Innovation
The year 1902 marked a pivotal moment in Spanish literature with the publication of four seminal novels, each breaking with the traditional conception of Spanish narrative: La voluntad by Azorín, Camino de perfección by Baroja, Amor y pedagogía by Unamuno, and Sonata de otoño by Valle-Inclán. These works exemplify the innovative spirit of the Generation of ’98, a group of Spanish intellectuals and authors deeply concerned with Spain’s cultural
Read MoreThe Song of Roland: History, Legend, and Medieval Epic
The Song of Roland (La Chanson de Roland in French) is an epic poem consisting of several thousand lines, written in the late eleventh century in Old French. It is attributed to a Norman monk named Turoldus, whose name appears on the last, enigmatic line: “Ci falt Turoldus declinet gesta.” However, the meaning of the verb “decline” in this verse is unclear; it could mean ‘sing,’ ‘compose,’ ‘transcribe,’ or ‘copy.’ It is considered the oldest epic poem written in a Romance language in Europe. The
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