Spanish Language Origins and Development: A Concise History
Origin and Development of the Spanish Language
Before the arrival of the Romans, the Iberian Peninsula was inhabited by various peoples, each with their own languages, now referred to as pre-Roman languages. Basque is the only pre-Roman language that survives today. In 218 BC, the Romans landed on the peninsula and imposed Vulgar Latin, initiating Romanization. In 409, Germanic peoples invaded the peninsula, incorporating their languages, some words of which are still in use today. In 711, the Arabs
Read MoreEpic Poetry: Virgil, Lucan, and the Roman Tradition
Epic Poetry and the Roman Tradition
Epic poetry recounts the deeds of heroes or legendary historical events. In America, it often reflects a fascination with significant events in national history, blending legend with military origins and current affairs. This interest stems from three sources: Greek tradition, national history, and Alexandrian poetry, with its sophisticated stylistic aspects and mythological motifs.
Virgil’s predecessors included Livius Andronicus, who translated Homer’s Odyssey
Read MoreUnderstanding Magical Realism: Definition and Characteristics
Magical Realism: Definition and Characteristics
Magical realism is a meta-linguistic and literary genre of the mid-twentieth century. The term was first used by an art critic, the German Franz Roh, to describe painting which demonstrated an altered reality, but was later used by certain Latin American writers. The novel Doña Bárbara by Rómulo Gallegos is considered the initiator of this literary trend.
Magical realism is defined as the stylistic concern and interest in showing the unreal or strange
Read MoreLope de Vega: Genius of Baroque Theater and Spanish Literature
Lope de Vega: Genius of Baroque Theater
Lope de Vega is a great genius of Baroque theater and one of the leading authors of Spanish literature. His reputation is supported by the quality and abundance of his work, as well as by the dramatic innovations introduced in Spanish theater. Lope modified the rules of precedent and created the national comedy. A comedy, he said, was to follow three guidelines:
- To imitate the actions of individuals.
- Custom portrait.
- To please the public of any social condition.
Lyric Poetry: Origins, Themes, and Key Figures of Ancient Greece
Lyric Poetry: Origin and Meaning
The term “lyric” refers to poetry accompanied by a lyre. This form originated in Greece (Asia Minor) during the Archaic Period (7th century BC). New social classes emerged, demanding greater involvement in civic affairs. Society shifted away from the heroic ideals of epic poetry, embracing individualism. Lyric poetry celebrated love, friendship, and grief, reflecting a more intimate and personal perspective. These poems, often composed by individual authors, evolved
Read MoreThe Roman Republic: Institutions and Expansion
The Roman Republic (509-27 BC)
After Brutus’ uprising, there were no kings to rule Rome. Patricians created several institutions to control Rome, such as the Senate, which was the most important ruling organ. It was an assembly composed of 300 members that belonged to the Patrician families. Once senators were chosen, they held the charge for life. They advised and controlled magistrates. The Senate had powers to decide about war and peace.
Citizens gathered in popular assemblies or comitia. Their
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