Understanding Literary Devices and Poetic Structures
Literary Devices: Definitions and Examples
Allegory: A prolonged correspondence of symbols or metaphors.
Alliteration: The repetition of one or more phonemes in different words, with a perceptible rate.
Anadiplosis: Repeating the last part of a syntactic unit or a verse at the beginning of the next.
Anaphora: A series of phrases or fragments of sentences that begin the same way.
Antithesis: Also called contrast, consisting of two opposing ideas.
Apostrophe: Directly addressing a loved word, animate or
Read MorePre-Renaissance Spain in the 15th Century: Society, Culture, and Poetry
ITEM 10: The Pre-Renaissance (15th Century)
1. Historical, Social, and Cultural Context
The crisis of medieval society was enhanced significantly in the 15th century, although it was already evident in the 14th century. It was a period considered a time of transition between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance (which is modeled on classical thought).
Man recovers his faith in himself and becomes aware of his own individuality (anthropocentrism). Encouraged by a pagan and materialistic spirit, he believes
Read MoreSpanish Poetry: Modernism to the Civil War (1900-1939)
Item 1: Spanish Poetry of the 20th Century Until 1939
Introduction
From the advent of modernism to the Civil War, Spanish poetry experienced a golden age. The writers of this stage are considered part of the Silver Age, or the second golden century of Spanish poetry.
Historical Context
- Late 19th Century: The national politics and ideology were shaken by the disaster of 1898.
- 1902: The reign of Alfonso XIII began. Spain became involved in a bloody war with Morocco, the effects of which culminated in the
Spanish 18th Century: Bourbon Dynasty, Enlightenment, and Culture
Historical and Cultural Context of 18th-Century Spain
Political Issues Following the Death of Charles II
Following the death of Charles II without issue, there was a change of dynasty. The Bourbons took the throne of Spain. The Bourbon monarchs were French, reformist supporters of enlightened despotism. Don Felipe, grandson of Louis XIV, was named King of Spain with the name Felipe V. This situation triggered the War of the Spanish Succession between the monarchs and the Archduke of Austria. Felipe
Read More15th Century Transformations & Renaissance Literature
15th Century: A New Mentality
The transformations of the 15th century marked the transition from the Middle Ages to the Modern Age. These transformations can be categorized as follows:
Transformations
- Political Transformations: The restoration of royal authority and the emergence of states.
- Economic and Social Transformations: The development of trade and cities brought about the rise of the bourgeoisie. Improved roads extended contact between people and their ideas.
- Cultural Transformations: The creation
Romanticism and Post-Romanticism: Key Movements & Authors
The Romantic movement, reacting against the emphasis on reason, embraced emotion and feeling. It championed the individual over the social, and freedom of conduct and creation over rigid rules. Romanticism developed in the 19th century, culminating trends that opposed Enlightenment rationalism. Originating in Britain and Germany, it quickly spread through Europe, notably via France.
Romantic authors claimed freedom in all spheres: political freedom, advocating for a liberal state; moral freedom,
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