Catalan Literature: Overview of Major Authors and Works
Catalan Literature: An Overview
Llorenç Villalonga (1897-1980)
Born in Majorca, Villalonga’s literature, rooted in psychological novels, draws heavily from his Mallorcan upbringing. His works often feature prominent female characters and explore themes of aristocracy and social satire.
Novel
- Death of Woman (1931): A pivotal work in Catalan literature, this novel offers an innovative narrative about the decline of the Mallorcan aristocracy. It satirizes the nobility and critiques both Chuetas and Catalan
Life and Work of Miguel de Cervantes
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
Life and Literary Career
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra led an eventful life, though many details remain uncertain. Born in Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), likely on September 29, 1547, he spent his youth in various Spanish cities, including Madrid and Seville. In his early twenties, he traveled to Rome to serve Cardinal Acquaviva. He toured Italy and joined the Spanish Armada, participating heroically in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, a pivotal moment in the decline of Turkish
Read MoreSpanish Post-Civil War Theater: From Existentialism to the Avant-Garde
Spanish Post-Civil War Theater
The 40s: A Struggling Scene
Following the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), theater was severely impacted. Authorities saw it as a tool for healing, leading to the production of low-quality, ideologically driven plays. Classics, especially from the Golden Age, were revived alongside translated foreign works. The absence of prominent playwrights like Lorca, Alberti, Casona, and Aub, who were either deceased or exiled, further contributed to the overall decline in quality.
Read MoreSpanish Poetry from 1975 to Today: Trends and Influences
V. – SPANISH POETRY SINCE 1975
The Poetry of Recent Years
The poetry of recent years presents a complex panorama due to the amount and variety of trends. This complexity arises from the confluence of poets from different generations, including both established authors and those pioneering new poetic territories. The difficulty of classification stems from the individualistic nature of these poets, who prioritize expressing intimate experiences over adhering to general trends, foregoing grand ambitions
Read MoreEvolution of Spanish Poetry: Post-War to 1970s
I. Post-War Poetry (1940s)
The early post-war period witnessed a resurgence of poetry, marked by the influence of the “Generation of ’36.” This group, categorized by Damaso Alonso, largely followed two poetic paths:
1. Rooted Poetry (Garcilaso)
This group, inspired by the poet Garcilaso de la Vega, sought perfection, balance, and clarity. Their optimistic worldview reflected an orderly and serene existence. Thematically, they focused on intimate subjects like love, leisure, landscapes, and beauty,
Read MoreCharacteristic Features of Literary Language & Genres
Characteristic Features of Literary Language
1. Deviation from the Standard
Forms deviate from common usage, employing unexpected or surprising language. This includes unusual word order, repetitions of sounds that mimic the phrase or expression, repetition of links, words or structures, suspension linkages, or words, and associations of meanings.
2. Connotative Language
The Lyric
The writer expresses their subjectivity, feelings, or thoughts. The lyric is in the first person (the author’s ego expresses
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