Rafael Alberti: Poetic Evolution and Major Works
Rafael Alberti experimented with diverse approaches and trends, both in thematic treatment and the incorporation of new poetic forms.
Themes and Poetic Style
For Alberti, poetry was a unique form of communication, allowing him to convey life experiences by focusing on specific themes and motifs:
- Nostalgia: Present in his verses for the lost paradise (Cádiz and his homeland).
- Anguish: Arising from the loss of paradise and the need for a new quest.
- Social Commitment: The country’s situation led him to
Spanish Lyric Poetry: Evolution from 1970s to Today
Introduction to Contemporary Spanish Lyric Poetry
With the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975, Spain began its transition to democracy. Key milestones included: the legalization of political parties in 1977, the promulgation of the Constitution in 1978, an attempted coup in 1981, and entry into the European Community in 1986. Key characteristics of Spanish literature in recent decades include a wide thematic and aesthetic range, diverse literary trends and movements, and a proliferation of
Read MoreEssential Literary Devices for Powerful Storytelling
Simile: Comparing with ‘Like’ or ‘As’
A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using the words “like” or “as”. It is used to create vivid imagery and help the reader understand the comparison. For example, “He is as brave as a lion” compares a person’s bravery to that of a lion. Similes are commonly used in poetry and literature to make descriptions more interesting and imaginative. They appeal to the senses and help readers visualize the scenes more clearly.
Read More18th Century Spanish Literature: Key Authors and Characteristics
Spanish Literature in the 18th Century: Characteristics and Authors
The Age of Enlightenment and Its Principles
The 18th century is often called the Age of Enlightenment. This designation reflects the supreme value of reason proclaimed by the thinkers and scientists of the time. The scientific and philosophical movement forged from this rationalist view of history and reality is known as the Enlightenment. Enlightenment thought was based on a set of principles coined and advocated by a minority of
Read MoreAyi Kwei Armah’s The Beautyful Ones: Themes of Corruption and Disillusionment
Narrative Style and Sentence Density
Another manner in which the writing style relates to the issues of the novel is through the density of the sentences. Aside from the dialogue, you may have noted that the paragraphs are long and densely filled with information. The Man appears highly aware of what he’s doing, thinking, and what’s going on around him. His awareness might explain why the writing style is so specialized and why he is so anxious about not doing anything wrong.
Scatological Language
Read MoreLiterary Insights: Chaucer, Mansfield, and Medieval Narratives
The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
Geoffrey Chaucer (1343–1400), an English poet, author, and diplomat, was born in London and buried in Westminster Abbey. He served as a courtier and customs official and is widely known as the “Father of English Literature.”
About The Canterbury Tales
Chaucer’s most famous work, The Canterbury Tales, is characterized by its insightful portrayal of medieval society through diverse characters and stories. Influenced by classical literature and Italian poets
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