Baroque Lyricism: Characteristics, Themes, and Authors
Characteristics of Baroque Lyricism
In the seventeenth century, poets, driven by literary genius, pursued the creation of complex texts to awaken admiration in the public. This genius manifested in two lyrical trends:
- Cultured: Characterized by complicated works requiring intellectual effort from the reader. It emphasizes two major literary currents: Culteranismo and Conceptismo.
- Popular: Characterized by simplicity and formal clarity.
Themes
Baroque lyricism presents, among others, the following themes:
Read MoreLeopoldo Alas Clarín’s ‘La Regenta’: Themes and Context
Leopoldo Alas Clarín’s ‘La Regenta’: A Masterpiece
La Regenta is the first novel by Leopoldo Alas Clarín. Born in Zamora, he lived in Oviedo, where he served as a professor of law until his death. He also authored another novel (his only son) and some stories (Adiós, Cordera), and worked as a literary critic in the press of the time. La Regenta is considered a masterpiece of the 19th-century Spanish novel.
The novel was initially published in Barcelona due to the scandal it caused, particularly
Read MoreLocadio’s Ordeal: A Tale of Love, Loss, and Redemption
Locadio’s Ordeal
A powerful force drove the blood. Locadio, an old man walking with a young hidalgo, his servant, a small child, and her maid. Everything was tranquil until Rodolfo and his gang crossed their path. The indiscreet looks of Rodolfo’s gang angered the old man. Insults and teasing were exchanged, and they continued onward. Rodolfo observed Locadio’s precious face but said nothing.
Soon, he informed his comrades of his feelings, and they decided to return and kidnap her. They followed the
Read MoreSpanish Enlightenment: Literature, Theater, and Social Reform
The Spanish Enlightenment: Literature, Theater, and Social Reform
While the Spanish monarchy suffered an internal crisis of succession, reformers began to imitate the European model of teaching. The writings of this period had a didactic purpose and imposed on the population thought that was best for them. The author of “Whether the Girls”, Leandro Fernandez de Moratin, emphasized neoclassical theater using its new features. The theater of this era, as well as other genres, did not focus on fun but
Read MoreSpanish Language: Origin, Development, and Historical Stages
Origin and Development of the Spanish Language
The main stages in the formation of the Spanish language are:
1) From Source to Romance Languages
All languages spoken in Spain, except Basque, originate from Latin. However, they also have superstrate features consisting of pre-Roman languages.
2) Pre-Roman Languages
Before the arrival of the Romans, there was no linguistic unity in the Iberian Peninsula. Various peoples lived there, including:
- Celtic peoples in the north and west
- Iberians in the south and
Antonio Machado’s Works and the Generation of ’14
Work of Antonio Machado
Antonio Machado was one of the leading Spanish poets of the 20th century. His fundamental work is poetry. He became a symbol upon his death during the Spanish Civil War.
Key Works:
- Solitudes, Galleries, and Other Poems: Initially published in 1902 as “Soledades”, it was expanded and renamed in 1907. The final, enlarged edition appeared in 1917. This work belongs to Machado’s modernist phase, influenced by Verlaine. It features decadent themes. Key themes include loneliness,