Medieval Spanish Literature: History, Society, and Culture
Introduction
The Middle Ages is the historical period between the fall of the Roman Empire and the discovery of America. From a literary perspective, this thousand-year span is reduced by almost half, as the first Castilian literary works date from the 10th century.
Historical Events
After the fall of the Roman Empire, several Germanic peoples settled in Spain. One of these, the Visigoths, unified the peninsula into a kingdom with its capital in Toledo. Civil war led to the Muslim conquest of the Peninsula,
Read MoreJimena’s Choice
Act I: Santa Maria de Valencia
Scene 1: The Mass
In the Church of Santa Maria de Valencia, Jimena, Maria, Minaya, Constance, and Bishop Jerome attend a mass commemorating the second anniversary of the Cid’s death. The Bishop extols the Cid’s greatness, stirring Jimena’s impatience.
Scene 2: Jimena’s Chambers
Constanza escorts Jimena to her chambers. As Jimena changes, they discuss the weather, the Cid, and Jimena’s melancholic mood. Maria enters and, as usual, chides her mother for discarding her mourning
Read MoreSpanish Literature: Machado, Jimenez & Narrative Before 1939
Spanish Literature: Machado, Jimenez & Narrative Before 1939
Antonio Machado: Stages, Work, and Symbolism
Stage 1: Solitudes, Galleries, and Other Poems
This stage features intimate and introspective work. Its themes include time, memory, dreams, childhood, and lost youth.
Stage 2: Campos de Castilla
This stage analyzes the Castilian landscape and people, including proverbs and songs that are poems of a sententious and moral kind.
Stage 3: New Songs & Other Works
This stage includes philosophical
Read MoreThe Poetic Journey of Pedro Salinas: From Avant-Garde to Lyrical Master
The Poetic Journey of Pedro Salinas
From Avant-Garde to Lyrical Master
Introduction
Pedro Salinas’s poetic journey reflects a fascinating evolution, marked by distinct stages influenced by various literary movements and personal experiences. His work traverses from early avant-garde experimentation to a mature lyrical style characterized by a profound exploration of love and existence. This analysis delves into the key aspects of his poetic development, examining his influences, themes, and stylistic
Read MoreMagical Realism in Literature: A Deep Dive
Magical Realism: A Literary Genre
Origins and Development
The term “magical realism” emerged in the 1920s and 1930s to describe the works of post-war German painters. These artists, successors to Post-Expressionism, incorporated imaginary, fantastic, and unreal elements into their works. The trend gradually spread to other European countries and eventually reached the United States in the 1940s.
In literature, magical realism gained prominence in the mid-twentieth century, particularly in Latin America.
Read MoreThe Epic Poetry of 13th-Century Spain: A Deep Dive
Epic Poetry (13th Century)
Introduction
Epic poems of 13th-century Spain are lengthy narratives, originally composed orally and passed down through generations. These poems recount historical events and legends, often focusing on a hero who embodies societal values. Jugglers, who also served as entertainers, were key transmitters of these epics. Due to their oral and anonymous nature, many have been lost over time.
Early epic poetry played an informational role, educating an often illiterate public
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