Ultraism, Prose, and the Evolution of Poetry in Spain
Ultraism and its Impact on Spanish Literature
By detaching poetry from the outside world in their eagerness to create an original reality, the artist moves away from any moral responsibility for that world. If the artist has no ethical or social responsibility, it is logical that art becomes a game, converted into something fun. Other inconsequential and formal innovations are the rejection of traditional meters and stanzas, replacing them with free verse; the deletion of adjectives; and the propensity
Read More15th-Century Spanish Literature: Prose and Theater
Didactic Prose in 15th-Century Spain
Fifteenth-century didactic prose continued the storytelling tradition, drawing influence from 13th-century Eastern sources, as well as classical and medieval Latin works. Collections of didactic and moralizing apologies, such as Talavera, better known as El Corbacho by Alfonso Martínez de Toledo, are prime examples. El Corbacho is known for its anti-feminist themes, reminiscent of Boccaccio’s On Earthly Love. It’s a work full of beads and stories reflecting everyday
Read MoreLatin American Literature: History, Culture, and Key Authors
Historical Context
Initially attached to the Spanish monarchy, Central and South America achieved independence. In 1898, the last Spanish colonies (Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines) were established.
Throughout the twentieth century, Latin America experienced instability, enduring authoritarian regimes and revolutions.
Culture and Society
The twentieth century presented common social circumstances: dictatorships and poverty, reflected in literary works. Writers adopted a commitment to reality,
Read MoreMaison Carrée: A Masterpiece of Roman Temple Architecture
Maison Carrée: A Study in Roman Temple Design
General Information
Architect: Unknown / Date: 16-4 BC / Material: Marble
Formal Analysis
Brief Description
The Maison Carrée is a rectangular temple elevated on a high podium.
Supporting Elements
The cell walls and Corinthian order columns provide support. The columns are attached to the wall, featuring fluted shafts and capitals adorned with acanthus leaves.
Elements Supported
The temple features an architrave system with an entablature. The frieze is a plain
Read MoreAncient Roman Architecture and Sculpture Masterpieces
The Flavian Amphitheater or Colosseum
The Colosseum was the largest amphitheater and the most spectacular built in the Roman Empire. It was built under Emperor Vespasian, but it was his son Titus who inaugurated it in 80 AD. The grand opening party lasted 102 days, during which he offered much entertainment. The four-story facade was lined with travertine marble, and it used the three Greek orders: Doric (first floor), Ionic (second floor), Corinthian (third floor), and a free order on the fourth
Read MoreMiguel Hernández: Poetry and Commitment in War
Social and Political Commitment in Miguel Hernández’s Poetry
In 1934, Miguel Hernández traveled to Madrid for the second time, mingling with intellectuals and decisively breaking away from the Orihuela environment. This resulted in a personal and poetic crisis, leading to contact with Pablo Neruda, Cernuda, and Alberti. In 1936, he published *El rayo que no cesa*, and became acquainted with Vicente Aleixandre, whose book *La destrucción o el amor* became his bedside book. He moved away from the
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