Spanish Baroque Literature: An In-Depth Analysis
Spanish Baroque Literature
1. Baroque Prose
Baroque prose narratives are categorized into two main types: the picaresque novel and the satirical novel. The latter often incorporates philosophical, moral, political, or literary criticism.
2. Narrative Prose
2.1. The Picaresque Novel
The picaresque novel, exemplified by Mateo Alemán’s Guzmán de Alfarache, follows the structure established by Lazarillo de Tormes:
- Fictional autobiography
- Episodic structure
- Themes of shame and survival
- Dishonorable protagonist
Alemán
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Evaluation: Themes and Poetic Motifs
(Topics)
A: Carpe diem (enjoy today), inviting enjoyment of the present moment.
B: Colligite, virgo, rosas (gather ye rosebuds, maiden), urging young couples to enjoy love before beauty fades.
C: Locus amoenus (pleasant place), depicting a green meadow, a refuge for the poet to express love’s suffering.
D: The Golden Mean, praising a moderate life, detached from ambition.
E: Beatus ille (happy is he), expressing regret for a life away from worldly chaos, seeking nature’
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Federico García Lorca and The House of Bernarda Alba
Author’s Background
Federico García Lorca, born June 5, 1898, in Fuente Vaqueros, Granada, was a pivotal figure in Spanish literature. His childhood in rural Andalusia and later studies in Almería and Granada shaped his appreciation for folklore. At the University of Granada, he befriended Manuel de Falla, further fueling his interest in popular traditions. From 1919 to 1928, Lorca resided in Madrid’s student residence, where he connected with
Spanish Golden Age: Renaissance & Religious Literature
Historical Events
The Golden Age began under the Catholic Monarchs with the Reconquista and the discovery of America. Economic growth came from Atlantic ports and precious metals from America. Politically, the Hispanic monarchy controlled vast territories. Scientific advancements occurred in engineering, mining, and navigation. Socially, many Spaniards migrated to Europe.
Society and Thought
Graeco-Latin culture revived after the Middle Ages, with a focus on humanism. Translations flourished, and vernacular
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Early Roman Epic Poetry
Mythological Epic
In the 3rd century BC, Livius Andronicus, a Greek prisoner of war in Rome, produced the first known work of Roman epic literature. Only fragments remain of his Odyssey, a Saturnian verse adaptation of Homer’s epic. While based on the Greek original, Andronicus adapted the poem to Roman culture, replacing names and expressions to resonate with his audience.
Historical Epic
Gnaeus Naevius, a Roman citizen and possibly a veteran of the First Punic War (c. 270 BC)
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Antonio Machado
At 8 years old, Antonio Machado moved to Madrid with his family. He completed his high school studies with his brother Manuel, frequenting Madrid’s literary and bohemian circles. His early work, such as Soledades (1903), reflects themes of loneliness and features modern imagery (sunsets, gardens with fountains, water that seems alive when it flows and dead when still). In 1907, Soledades expanded into Soledades, Galerías y Otros Poemas. Machado became a professor in Soria, where
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