Medieval Spanish Literature
Origins of Prose
Prose emerged later than lyric and epic poetry. King Fernando III adopted Castilian chancery as the official language, replacing Latin. Alfonso X, the Wise, promoted the Toledo School of Translators. Early collections of Castilian stories and fables were translated from Arabic. Don Juan Manuel created original works of great quality, compiling over 50 stories.
Alfonso X, the Wise
Alfonso X demonstrated a commitment to promoting Castilian writing across all areas of knowledge, including
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Early 20th Century Theater
The early 20th century saw attempts to revitalize Spanish theater, moving beyond the realistic drama of the previous era. A recurring theme was a chronicle of bourgeois concerns and prejudices, often conveyed with gentle irony.
Classifications of Works
Conception of the Drama:
- Interior Bourgeois Citizens: Dramas set in the homes of the upper-middle class, reflecting their lifestyles (e.g., “The Alien Nest”).
- Cosmopolitan Interiors: Set during the winter season, featuring princes,
19th Century Spanish Literary Realism: Context, Authors, and Works
Literary Realism in 19th Century Spain
Historical and Cultural Context
Political, Economic, and Social Aspects
Emerging progressive governments implemented labor and fiscal reforms. However, economic crises, unemployment, wars, and regional conflicts contributed to the downfall of the First Republic, ending a prolonged period of conflict. Economic development spurred urban growth and railway expansion. Bourgeois families enjoyed luxury while the masses remained marginalized from politics, modernization,
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16th-Century Spanish Prose
Didactic Prose: The Dialogue
A quintessential Renaissance genre, the dialogue, tied to the spread of Erasmian ideology, championed a practical literature focused on education. Key authors include:
- Alfonso de Valdés: Influential in court circles, much like Erasmus, he led intellectual and religious groups.
- Juan de Valdés: His work, first published in the 18th century, comprises eight parts and features a natural, unpretentious style, reflecting his motto, “write as I speak.
Post-Civil War Spanish Literature: Poetry and Prose
Poetry
The Poetry of War (1940s)
After the Spanish Civil War, a group of young poets known as the “Generation of 1936” or the “Escorial Group” emerged. Their poetry, published in magazines like Escorial (1940) and Garcilaso (1943), aligned with the imperialist and epic ideals of the victors. This style was characterized by heroic and religious themes, classical meters, and traditional stanzas. Key figures included Luis Rosales, Luis Felipe Vivanco, Leopoldo Panero, and Dionisio Ridruejo.
In 1944, Dámaso
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Poetry of the 1940s
During the 1940s, Spanish poetry was dominated by expressions of religious and existential concerns. Post-war poetry began with two books published in 1944: Sons of Anger by Dámaso Alonso and Shadow of Paradise by Vicente Aleixandre. These works paved the way for younger poets like Blas de Otero (Angel Fierce Roll of Consciousness). These books reflect a pessimistic and anxious worldview, where a cruel and arbitrary God governs a meaningless, chaotic world. They express deep
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