Traditional and Courtly Poetry of 15th Century Castile
Traditional Lyric Poetry
The lyrical, traditional, oral, and popular poetry of Castile has its first written records in the late 15th century. These popular songs, primarily carols (villancicos), express emotions and ideas in a stylized and expressive manner. It is difficult to distinguish authentic traditional poetry from learned imitations, as the imitation of popular lyric was common practice from the 15th to the 17th centuries. Traditional lyric is characterized by a variety of styles, nature
Read MoreThe Life and Works of Miguel de Cervantes: A Deep Dive into Don Quixote
Miguel de Cervantes
Born in Alcalá de Henares in 1547, Miguel de Cervantes led a life marked by constant relocation due to his father’s work as a surgeon and economic hardships. He resided in various Spanish cities, including Valladolid, Córdoba, Sevilla, and Madrid, where he studied under López de Hoyos. In 1569, he moved to Italy and participated in the Battle of Lepanto. Upon returning to Spain, he was captured and imprisoned in Algiers for five years. After his eventual rescue and return
Read More15th-Century Spanish Literature: Poetry and Prose
Poetry courtesan emerges in the twelfth century.
Its creators are the troubadours and its theme is love.
The novelty of this poetry is to consider women as a being superior to the lover worships and vassalage. This type of love will receive the name of love cuts. The poet declares servant of the lady, whom she calls my lord, and which is characterized as an accumulation of perfection (beauty, honesty ..). Its purpose is to achieve a wave of his beloved, but, ultimately, the sexual consummation. This
Spanish Romanticism: An Overview
Historical and Political Context
Reign of Ferdinand VII (1814-1833)
Ferdinand VII’s reign heavily influenced politics and literature. The Constitution of Cadiz was approved, leading to military clashes.
Reign of Elizabeth II (1833-1878)
This period saw the Carlist Wars, sparked by the succession of Ferdinand VII, with the peculiar laws of 1868-1875.
Period of Volatility (1868-1875)
A time of instability marked by the liberal Borbonica.
Glorious Restoration (1875-1885)
Liberals and conservatives achieved
Read MoreThe Labyrinth of Memory: A Novel of Post-War Spain
Memory
This novel explores the intricate memories of its characters. Through their recollections, events unfold, revealing a love triangle, the impact of the Civil War, and family secrets. Minaya pieces together historical and emotional fragments hidden within Manuel Mágina’s house—examining photos, manuscripts, and the memories of those connected to the family. Manuel’s home becomes a museum of memory, filled with photographs, the bridal suite, and Mariana’s wedding dress. Even Minaya’s visit
Read More20th Century Western World History, Thought, and Aesthetics
Historical Periods of the 20th Century
The Western World’s Transformation
The 20th century witnessed a profound transformation of the Western world, marked by events like two world wars, the Russian Revolution, and the Cold War. These events shaped distinct historical periods:
- Pre-World War I (1900-1914): Economic expansion and artistic splendor coincided with burgeoning workers’ movements and intellectual questioning of bourgeois consciousness.
- World War I (1914-1918): Sparked by colonial rivalries,