15th Century Spanish Literature: Key Authors & Genres
The Fifteenth Century: A Period of Transition
The fifteenth century was a period of transition, corresponding to the pre-Renaissance. As a result of the struggles and clashing trends, universally valid literary works such as La Celestina were written.
Historical Context
From a historical point of view, the marriage of the Catholic Monarchs of Castile and Aragon in the mid-15th century stands out.
Courtly Lyric Poetry
Courtly lyric poetry emerged in the 15th century, developing around the refined courtly
Read MoreModernism and the Generation of ’98 in Spain
The Generation of ’98 and Modernism in Spain
The Disaster of ’98
The Disaster of ’98 refers to the serious confrontations between politicians (conservatives, liberals, Carlists, republicans, socialists, and anarchists), and the great social and economic backwardness and crisis in Spain.
Regenerationism
Regenerationism, led by figures like Joaquin Costa and Angel Ganivet, proposed agrarian reforms, hydraulic works, and general and vocational education for the population.
The Generation of ’98
The Generation
Read MoreKey Spanish Authors and Their Literary Contributions
Juan Valera
Born in a village of Cordova, of high social class, Juan Valera was a diplomat who traveled extensively. He primarily wrote novels in a simple, elegant style, focusing on the psychological study of characters, especially women. His main work, Pepita Jiménez, is written in the form of letters.
Benito Pérez Galdós
Born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Benito Pérez Galdós later moved to Madrid, where he lived and worked. His novels are typically divided into three groups:
- National Episodes:
Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer and Spanish Romantic Drama
Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer: A Culmination of Spanish Romanticism
Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer (1836-1870) was born in Seville. Orphaned at a young age, he moved to Madrid at 18 seeking literary success, earning a living writing articles for magazines. At 21, he contracted a serious illness. He married Casta Esteban and had two children, but his wife was unfaithful. He died in Madrid at 34, poor and sick.
Bécquer emerged as Europe’s Romantic movement waned, yet he represents the culmination of intimate Spanish
Read MoreKey Figures in Roman History: Cicero, Viriathus, Catiline
Cicero and Heraclius
Cicero, in his defense of Heraclius, stated: “I did not expect the aid of the inhabitants of Syracuse, either public or private, nor did I intend to ask for it.” While this matter was being conducted, Heraclius, who then held the position of magistrate in Syracuse, suddenly appeared. He requested that my brother and I appear before his senate. The main clause, *Cum haec agerem, subito ad me venit Heraclius* (While I was conducting these matters, Heraclius suddenly came to me)
Read MoreBaroque, Neoclassicism, and Key Literary Figures
Baroque Period: 17th Century
Baroque: 17th century (current political, economic, and social context). Features: A disillusioned, skeptical, and pessimistic vision of reality. The style is based on dynamism, contrast, and artificiality.
Crisis: Economic recession due to trade development and the advancement of the bourgeoisie, leading to stagnation and cities quickly becoming occupied by beggars.
Baroque Literature
- Themes: Moral standards and the transience of life.
- Contrasts: Exploring the ambiguous