Key Spanish Authors and Their Literary Contributions
Juan Valera
Born in a village of Cordova, of high social class, Juan Valera was a diplomat who traveled extensively. He primarily wrote novels in a simple, elegant style, focusing on the psychological study of characters, especially women. His main work, Pepita Jiménez, is written in the form of letters.
Benito Pérez Galdós
Born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Benito Pérez Galdós later moved to Madrid, where he lived and worked. His novels are typically divided into three groups:
- National Episodes:
Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer and Spanish Romantic Drama
Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer: A Culmination of Spanish Romanticism
Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer (1836-1870) was born in Seville. Orphaned at a young age, he moved to Madrid at 18 seeking literary success, earning a living writing articles for magazines. At 21, he contracted a serious illness. He married Casta Esteban and had two children, but his wife was unfaithful. He died in Madrid at 34, poor and sick.
Bécquer emerged as Europe’s Romantic movement waned, yet he represents the culmination of intimate Spanish
Read MoreKey Figures in Roman History: Cicero, Viriathus, Catiline
Cicero and Heraclius
Cicero, in his defense of Heraclius, stated: “I did not expect the aid of the inhabitants of Syracuse, either public or private, nor did I intend to ask for it.” While this matter was being conducted, Heraclius, who then held the position of magistrate in Syracuse, suddenly appeared. He requested that my brother and I appear before his senate. The main clause, *Cum haec agerem, subito ad me venit Heraclius* (While I was conducting these matters, Heraclius suddenly came to me)
Read MoreBaroque, Neoclassicism, and Key Literary Figures
Baroque Period: 17th Century
Baroque: 17th century (current political, economic, and social context). Features: A disillusioned, skeptical, and pessimistic vision of reality. The style is based on dynamism, contrast, and artificiality.
Crisis: Economic recession due to trade development and the advancement of the bourgeoisie, leading to stagnation and cities quickly becoming occupied by beggars.
Baroque Literature
- Themes: Moral standards and the transience of life.
- Contrasts: Exploring the ambiguous
Literary Analysis: Jiménez, Baroja, and Unamuno’s Impact
Juan Ramón Jiménez (1881-1958): A Literary Journey
Juan Ramón Jiménez’s work, obretida, extends to the mid-twentieth century and undergoes profound changes. His early works are influenced by the literature of the late 19th century, such as Modernism and Symbolism. In his first books, we see an exalted tone that attenuates later. His themes are nostalgia, death, and mystery, relating to aestheticism and decadence. Symbolism highlights Arias, sad and distant gardens in which there is an erotic
Read MoreSan Juan de la Cruz & Renaissance Prose: Literary Analysis
San Juan de la Cruz (1542-1591)
Life: Born into a humble family, he studied philosophy and theology at the University of Salamanca as a Carmelite. Admiring St. Teresa of Jesus, he became a Discalced Carmelite and dedicated himself to founding new convents. He wrote poems about his religious experiences. Santa Teresa suggested he write comments on the poems to clarify their meaning. He suffered imprisonment on suspicious charges related to religious renewal. His poetry explores the mystical experience
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