Greek Tragedy and Comedy: Origins and Structure
Origins of Greek Theater
Aristotle, in his Poetics, indicates that tragedy originated with the soloists of the dithyramb. He also mentions a second source: early tragedies, with their humorous language and short plots, evolved from the satyr play. The word “tragedy” has been interpreted as “goat song.” Thespis is often considered the creator of tragedy. Aristotle attributes the origin of comedy to those who sang phallic songs, and explains the name “comedy” as deriving from “revelry song,” though
Read MoreToledo’s School of Translators & Alfonso X’s Legacy
The School of Translators of Toledo
The School of Translators of Toledo was established around the 12th century. It brought together Arab, Christian, and Jewish scholars to translate significant works from other cultures into Latin and then into Romance languages. Under the reign of Alfonso X, the court of Toledo became a hub for the most talented scholars in Europe.
Rigorous Translation Methods
These scholars employed a meticulous method:
- Compilation: Searching for and gathering materials containing
Medieval Spanish Literature: “Cid”, “Love”, and More
“El Mio Cid”: An Epic of Exile and Honor
The poem “El Mio Cid”, composed before 1499, is attributed to multiple authors, including Stephen of Gozman (responsible for the Cid’s banishment, weddings, and the affront at Corpes) and Medina (who reformed the original poem, adding the remaining parts and simplifying the rhymes).
The poem consists of three parts:
- Song of Exile
- Wedding of Metric
- Affront at Corpes
It features irregular meter (6, 7, or 8 syllables per line), assonance, and unequal rhymes.
Artistic
Read MoreSurrealism and the Generation of ’27: Spanish Literature
Surrealism: The Revolutionary Avant-Garde Movement
Surrealism emerged as the most revolutionary and far-reaching avant-garde movement. Originating in 1924, its revolutionary character is evident in its ambition to transform human life. Artistic creation was seen as a path to freedom. Surrealists also employed automatic writing, where the writer transcribes thoughts that occupy their mind when close to sleep. Another technique used was collage (the union of words cut from newspapers, magazines, etc.
Read MoreSpanish Theater and Narrative: From Post-War to Modernism
TP 40-50: Benaventine conventional surface comedy featuring conservative bourgeois characters, luxurious spaces, and refined humor. Key figures include:
- José María Pemán: Known for historic theater pieces like The Divine Impatient.
- Joaquín Calvo Sotelo: Famous for comedies such as The Visit That I Ring the Bell and serious dramas like The Wall.
- Juan Ignacio Luca de Tena: Author of Who Am I?, Don Jose, Pepe and Pepito.
- José López Rubio: Known for Twenty and Forty, Never Late.
- Victor Ruiz Iriarte:
Evolution of the Spanish Language: Origins to Present
Historical Evolution of the Spanish Language
The current linguistic situation in Spain is the result of a historical evolution influenced by a number of linguistic, political, and cultural factors. Except for Euskera, all peninsular languages are derived from Latin. Before Roman colonization, the Iberian Peninsula was home to a great diversity of peoples from various cultures, such as Celtiberians, Germans, and others. This resulted in linguistic heterogeneity, with a number of different languages