Leandro Fernández de Moratín: Life, Works, and Neoclassical Drama
Leandro Fernández de Moratín (1760-1828): A Literary Life
Leandro Fernández de Moratín (1760-1828), son of Nicolás, a literato, worked as an employee in a jewelry workshop, an activity he combined with his first literary works. The protection of Godoy allowed him to leave his old job, completed with the license to represent “The Old Man and the Girl.” A year earlier, he had published his satire in prose, “The Defeat of Pedants.” His prolonged stay in the European courts also facilitated contact
Read MoreAnalyzing Tragicomedy and Memory in Beckett’s ‘Waiting for Godot’
Beckett’s Tragicomedy in ‘Waiting for Godot’
Beckett classified his play as a “tragicomedy.” Is this an accurate classification? If not, how else might the play be classified? Does the play lean more towards tragedy or comedy?
The play is often considered a tragicomedy because it conveys tragic themes through comedic elements. What makes it tragic? For instance, the characters desire to find meaning in human existence and to be completely independent. However, Estragon and Vladimir cannot separate
Read MoreBook, Film & Restaurant Review: Madrid & Beyond
Book Review: “Al final del camino”
Last summer, I read a really nice and interesting book titled “Al final del camino” by the Spanish writer Lucía Gabildo.
The book tells the story of four different people: Gloria, a young woman who paints fantastically and works cleaning in an office by night; her neighbor Pablo, a real gentleman who lives in a big apartment and sells postcards in a museum; Fran, Pablo’s tenant and an excellent cook; and Fran’s grandmother, Paula, who lives in an old people’s home.
Read MoreMiguel de Unamuno’s *San Manuel Bueno, Mártir*: Existential Conflict
Miguel de Unamuno: Life and Context
Biographical Sketch
The novel San Manuel Bueno, Mártir by Miguel de Unamuno was published in 1931. Its author reflects all aspects of his thinking and writing style in this work.
Miguel de Unamuno was born in Bilbao in 1864. After years of studying classical philology at the University of Madrid, he took the chair of Greek at the University of Salamanca in 1891. He resided in Salamanca until his death. Appointed rector, he was later removed due to his opposition
Read MoreKey Spanish Authors: Jovellanos, Bécquer, Galdós
Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos (18th Century)
Born in Gijón, Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos studied fine arts and history. His reformist ideas caused him significant problems. His work includes poetry, drama, and essays; his non-fiction texts were primarily aimed at the ruling classes. His subjects were often political and historical, expressing deep concern for societal problems and proposing reform measures. He was a reformer focused on encouraging the populace. His style is simple and clear, using
Read MoreRasgos Fundamentales del Realismo Literario
Principios del Realismo Literario
- Observación y descripción precisa de la realidad. Este es el principio básico del Realismo. El interés por la observación de la realidad es paralelo a los métodos de observación característicos de las ciencias experimentales. Los escritores realistas se documentan: toman notas de campo sobre personajes o ambientes, o consultan libros para extraer información precisa.
- Ubicación próxima de los hechos. Frente a la evasión en el espacio y el tiempo del Romanticismo,