Spanish Literature in the 15th Century: Key Authors & Trends
Juan Ruiz, Archpriest of Hita
His work represents a departure from the purely religious focus, embracing earthly love and the joy of living. He employed humor and satire, challenging dogmatism. He wrote part of his poem while imprisoned for allegedly violating church laws by having a concubine.
Book of Good Love
The earliest surviving manuscript dates from 1330. Its structure includes a prologue, autobiographical elements (with Don Melon as a mask), exemplary narratives, satires, moral reflections,
Read MoreCulteranismo and Conceptismo: Spanish Baroque Poetry
Culteranismo and Conceptismo: Two Pillars of Spanish Baroque Poetry
Culteranismo
This current in Spanish Baroque poetry is characterized by its emphasis on elaborate and ornate language, known as “cultismos.” Its creator was Luis de Góngora. Key features include:
- Extensive use of *cultismos* (words borrowed from Latin or Greek).
- Latinized syntax.
- Rich musicality.
- Abundant use of rhetorical devices, especially metaphors.
Conceptismo
Conceptismo, in contrast, focuses on ingenious and surprising associations
Read MoreRoman Theater: Tragedy and Comedy in Ancient Rome
General Features of Roman Theater
For the Romans, theatrical representations, known as ludi scaenici (stage games), were always related to a deity, blending religious and festive elements.
The Development of Drama
From 240 BC, plays were established in Rome and performed between spring and autumn. Five types of ludi (games) existed: Megalenses, Floral, Apollinares, Magni, and Plebeii. Pompey opened the first permanent theater in Rome, but information about the specific plays performed is limited.
Read MoreSpanish Literature: Medieval Period to Baroque Era
Spanish Literature: From the Medieval Period to the Baroque Era
Cantigas and Mester de Juglaría
Cantigas “de amigo”: A woman laments the absence of her beloved. Cantigas “de escarnio”: Satirical poems that poke fun at a particular character.
Mester de Juglaría: A form of literature disseminated orally by *juglares*, entertainers who amused audiences with their performances. Troubadours were key figures, spreading epic poems—long narratives composed of irregular lines, recounting the heroic deeds
Read MorePost-War Catalan Literature: Key Authors and Themes
Notable Authors
Pere Calders (Post-War Fiction)
In 1936, Pere Calders published his first collection of stories, The First Harlequin. Characteristic of his work is the interplay between reality and the supernatural or magic, often employing humor and irony. Notable works include Units Shock Tomorrow at Three O’Clock in the Morning and Here Lies Nevares.
Pere Quart (Post-War Poetry)
Pere Quart began his career with satirical works and participated in the avant-garde movement. He published his first collection
Read MoreGeneration of ’27: Spanish Literary Movement & Lorca’s Poetry
The Generation of ’27
The Generation of ’27 was a constellation of writers who emerged in Spain around the year 1927, the tercentenary of the death of the Baroque poet Luis de Góngora. Their aesthetic attempted to find common elements between popular culture and Spanish literary and aesthetic avant-gardes. This movement evolved from pure poetry to human engagement, which resulted in the revelation of Surrealism and even political compromise. The group dispersed after the majority went into exile
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