A History of Spanish Literature: From Oral Tradition to the Renaissance
The Oral Poetry Tradition
The Mastersinger
Lyric poetry was expressed through song, dance, and other performative arts. Epic poetry was also accompanied by music. Both lyrical and epic poems were performed by minstrels, singers, and actors who entertained people in towns and castles.
The Original Peninsular Lyric
The jarchas, short lyrical compositions in Mozarabic (the Latin language spoken in Muslim territory), represent a significant form of early Spanish lyric poetry. Transmitted orally, these poemillas,
Read MoreAnalysis of Elegy by Miguel Hernandez
Elegy Analysis
Introduction
This analysis explores Miguel Hernandez’s elegy dedicated to his friend Ramon Sijé. The poem is a profound expression of grief, guilt, and the enduring bond between the two friends.
About the Poet
Miguel Hernández Gilabert (October 30, 1910 – January 28, 1942) was a prominent Spanish poet and playwright. Associated with the Generation of ’36, his work often reflected rural life and social injustice.
Background
Written in the shadow of Sijé’s death, the poem captures Hernandez’
Read MoreAnalysis of Elegy by Miguel Hernandez
Elegy Analysis
1. Miguel Hernandez
Miguel Hernández Gilabert, born in Orihuela (Alicante) on October 30, 1910, was a prominent Spanish poet and playwright of the 20th century. He belonged to the renowned Generation of ’27, a literary movement that emerged in Spain in 1927.
In 1939, Hernandez attempted to flee to Portugal but was apprehended by the Civil Guard. This marked the beginning of his harrowing experience in various Spanish prisons, which he himself referred to as “tourism.” Upon his release,
Read MoreA History of 20th Century Spanish Poetry
1. The Poetry of Exile
Exile was a major theme for Spanish poets of the 20th century. The list of poets who went into exile is long and distinguished, including Antonio Machado (who died just days after leaving Spain), poets of the Generation of ’14 (Moreno Villa, León Felipe, and Juan Ramón Jiménez), and poets of the Generation of ’27 (all but three were exiled, Lorca having died). Also included are poets who had just begun their work before the war or whose entire body of work centered around
Read More15th-Century Spanish Literature: Transition to the Renaissance
XV Century: The Transition to the Renaissance
1. Historical Context
The fifteenth century in Spain was characterized by frequent clashes between the nobility and the monarchy, the struggle against the Arabs, and tensions with Jews. Royal power weakened, and private ambitions grew. This situation was defused with the arrival of the Catholic Monarchs, who unified the peninsula and concluded the Reconquista.
Three periods mark this era: the court of Juan II, Henry IV (1454-1474), and the reign of the
Read MoreThe Literary Avant-Garde and the Generation of ’27
Literary Avant-Garde in the Early Twentieth Century
The first decades of the twentieth century (until the outbreak of World War II, approximately) were a period of profound renewal and upheaval in the various arts, including literature. This period saw the rise of leading movements (the so-called “isms”) that challenged supporters of traditional art and literature. Common characteristics of these movements include:
- Open opposition to previous literature and art, aspiring to create works regardless