Renaissance: Politics, Society, and Culture

The Renaissance: Political and Social Context

The Renaissance was a period of transition from the Middle Ages to the Modern Age. It began in Italy in the 14th century and spread throughout Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries. Precursors of the Italian Renaissance include Dante (13th-14th century), Petrarch (14th century), and Boccaccio (14th century).

  • It coincided with the decline of feudalism and the rise of absolutism.
  • There was a separation of power between the Emperor and the Pope. The Papacy
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Text Types and Linguistic Features

Description

Description: To describe is to represent the characteristics of an element of reality in words, so it can be known by the receiver.

Structure

  • Topic: Designation of the object of the description.
  • Expansion: Enumeration and detailing of parts and properties of the described element. Depending on the intention, the enumeration can be comprehensive or selective.
  • Staging: Detailing of the environment of the described element and its similarities with other known elements.
  • Progression: Description
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Spanish Literature: Generations of ’98 and ’14

The Generation of ’98

Poetry of the Generation of ’98: Antonio Machado

Antonio Machado was born in Seville, but soon moved to Madrid, where both he and his brother Manuel came into contact with literature.

Features:

  • Romantic Influence: Recurring, especially in the works of Bécquer and Rosalía de Castro.
  • Critical Perspective on the Problem of Spain: He felt committed to the intent to create another Spain.
  • Use of Symbols: He used symbols in his works as a personal reflection, as well as on life.

Topics:

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Catalan Modernism & Avant-Garde Art: Picasso and Dalí

Lluís Domènech i Montaner (1850-1923)

Architect, Designer, Illustrator

Interested in archeology and history, President of the Ateneu Barcelonès, and Conservative Catalan politician.

  • Hospital de Sant Pau
  • Palau de la Música Catalana
  • Casa Fuster

Josep Puig i Cadafalch (1867-1956)

Architect and Politician

President of the Mancomunitat de Catalunya (Government of Catalonia), Director of archaeological excavations in Empúries, and Pioneer of the safeguard of Romanesque art.

  • Casa Ametller
  • Casa de les Punxes
  • Pavellons
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Understanding Drama: Forms, Elements, and Genres

Forms of Expression in Drama

  • Dialogue: The conversation between two characters.
  • Monologue: The mode of expression when one character is speaking. It is also called a soliloquy.
  • Aside: This is a way for a character to speak their thoughts aloud, with the understanding that other characters on stage do not hear them.
  • The Chorus (as a collective character that can):
    • a) Be the awareness or memory of the character.
    • b) Embody the figure of a prophet to predict events that will develop later.
    • c) Serve as a narrator
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Analyzing Sound and Flashbacks in Film: The Ring and More

The Ring: Analysis of Flashbacks and Sound

The Ring. Minute 20:36 – 21:10. Ellipsis: The Naomi scene, where she goes from the office to the cabin to see the video, included deleted moments. The director felt there was no need to show the entire scene. This is a temporary manipulation called Ellipsis.

Flashbacks: Blood and Water

Minute 23:44 – 56:13 from the horse’s death. Two scenes are filmed with different but common elements: blood and water. One of the similarities is that the flashbacks (original

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