Spanish Renaissance and Baroque Poetry: Fray Luis, San Juan, Quevedo, Lope
Fray Luis de León
Fray Luis de León’s works in verse consist of 34 poems, none of which were published during the author’s lifetime. Poems are often divided into three groups: translations of classic versions of sacred texts and 23 original poems. In adopting Italianate forms in the line of Garcilaso, he replaces the theme of love with moral and religious subjects. Fray Luis glosses Bible passages with themes of classical antiquity, such as locus amoenus (Virgil) and beatus ille (Horace). In his
Read MoreMachado’s Poetry: Symbolism, Self-Portrait, and Castile
A Dry Elm: Symbolism and Life
A Dry Elm: Theme: Life is embodied by an old, dry elm. In this poem, the elm symbolizes the poet’s life. Symbolism is a key element of modernism. The poem is divided into three parts: the first (verses 1-14) offers a physical description in the third person; the second (verses 15-27) speaks in the second person, referring to himself; and finally, the last three lines present a personal conclusion, expressing a last hope. Melancholy is evident, for example, in verses
Read MoreEarly Roman Theater: Origins, Authors, and Plays
Early Roman Theater: Origins and Development
The earliest forms of Roman theater were very primitive, consisting of simple improvisations without written text. Music, singing, and gesticulation played a significant role in these performances.
The Influence of Greek Theater
In 204 BC, Livius Andronicus wrote and presented the first theatrical work in the Greek style. By this time, Greek theater had already developed into two distinct genres: tragedy and comedy. The quality and quantity of Greek theatrical
Read MoreGeneration of ’27: Spanish Literary Movement, Authors & Themes
The Generation of ’27
The Generation of ’27 groups a number of writers who blend Spanish literary tradition with avant-garde trends. The year 1927 marks the 300th anniversary of Góngora’s death, a key figure for this group. Prominent authors include: Pedro Salinas, Jorge Guillén, Gerardo Diego, Vicente Aleixandre, Federico García Lorca, Dámaso Alonso, Luis Cernuda, Rafael Alberti, Emilio Prados, Manuel Altolaguirre, and Miguel Hernández.
Key Characteristics
- Birth dates close in time.
- Reference
Medieval Spanish Literature: Forms, Authors, and Works
Key Features of Medieval Literature
Literature creates a fictional and believable world. It makes aesthetic use of language intentionally. Its function is to amuse, entertain, and communicate ideas. Communication is delayed (no dialog). The context is very important to understand the work. Its formal channels are verse and prose. Frequent use of stylistic devices (metaphor, hyperbaton, etc.) occurs. Genres include epic or narrative, lyric, and dramatic (plus didactic in the 18th century). Until the
Read MoreSpanish Literature: 1898 Generation to Avant-Garde
Representatives of the Generation of ’98
Miguel de Unamuno: In his first novel, Peace in War, he realistically portrays reality. However, in his subsequent writings, such as Nivola, he joins philosophy with literature and is concerned with Spain and the struggle between faith and reason. Among his highlights are Nivola, La Tía Tula, Abel Sánchez, Fog, and San Manuel Bueno, Martyr.
Pío Baroja: He starts from realism but introduces renovating elements. He participates in the action and introduces
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