Realism, Magical Realism, and the Latin American Boom
1. Realism
Realism is an artistic movement that emerged in Europe between 1850 and 1860 as a reaction against Romantic subjectivism. Seeking truth, the everyday, and the credible reality, it aimed to portray the day-to-day. One of its greatest exponents was Honoré de Balzac.
Characteristics of Realism
- An attempt to describe the new society born from the Industrial and French Revolutions.
- Protagonists from the middle and upper classes, whose traits (kindness, usury, selfishness, generosity, malice,
Don Quixote’s Adventures: A Hilarious Journey of Dreams and Illusions
Part 1: The Birth of a Knight Errant1.1: Dreams, Illusions, and Transformationsa) Don Quixote’s Aspirations and Literary InfluencesDon Quixote seeks eternal fame and renown. His love for Dulcinea stems from the chivalric code, which dictates that every knight must have a lady love. He believes a gentleman without love is like a tree without leaves or fruit, or a body without a soul. He attaches great importance to language and names, particularly those of his horse, his mistress, and himself. b) |
Literary Movements and Works: A Historical Overview
Literary Movements and Works
Medieval Literature
Early and High Middle Ages
Following the fall of the Western Roman Empire (476), the Early Middle Ages (5th-8th centuries) began. Germanic peoples assimilated Latin culture, preserved by the Christian Church. From the 8th century, Arabs invaded Spain and Sicily. Charlemagne’s reign marked the High Middle Ages (9th-11th centuries) and the Carolingian Renaissance. Monastic schools, located in monasteries, were centers of education and literary culture.
Read MoreUnderstanding Verb Conjugation and Tenses
Verb Conjugation TipsUnderstanding Verb TensesStep 1: Check the related verb tenses.
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Pedro Calderon de la Barca: Life and Works
Pedro Calderon de la Barca (1600-1681)
Early Life and Career
Pedro Calderon de la Barca, born in Madrid in 1600, was a renowned Spanish poet and playwright. Initially destined for the priesthood by his father, Calderon began his studies at the Imperial College of the Jesuits in Madrid. He continued his education at the universities of Alcala and Salamanca but abandoned religious studies in 1620 to pursue a military career, much to his father’s disapproval. This conflict would later influence his theatrical
Read MoreGeneration of ’98: Unamuno, Machado, and the Spanish Crisis
The Generation of ’98 and Religion
Unamuno’s views on religion varied significantly within the Generation of ’98.
Unamuno and Machado: Literary Pillars
Miguel de Unamuno
Unamuno, a highly respected figure within the Generation of ’98, captivated his contemporaries with his complex personality, profound thinking, and passionate style. His work, deeply rooted in philosophical concerns, maintains its literary value. A constant theme throughout his life and work is the fear of death, the desire for eternal
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