Medieval Society and Culture: A Journey Through the Middle Ages
Our History
The Middle Ages, spanning from the decline of the Roman Empire to the late 15th century, represent a complex period of European history. Often mischaracterized as a “dark age,” the Middle Ages witnessed significant cultural and intellectual developments alongside periods of conflict and instability.
Medieval Society
Political and military instability shaped medieval society. The Church played a central role, preserving knowledge through manuscript copying and oral tradition. Universities
Read MoreBaroque Literature: A Journey Through the 17th Century
The Cultural Context of the Baroque
A keyword in Baroque culture is “disappointment.” Between the late 16th and late 17th century, the Baroque movement, born from the Renaissance, permeated all cultural and artistic events in Europe and extended to South American countries. It reflects a distrust of the world and a bleak sense of human existence.
Become aware of:
- The misleading appearance of things
- The brevity and transience of life and death anxiety
The main characteristics of Baroque art are:
- Dynamism
- Theatricality
- Decorative
The Modern Age and the Renaissance: A Literary and Historical Overview
The Modern Age
1. Definition
Throughout the 15th century, the world underwent substantial changes that heralded the arrival of a new era—the Modern Age. Its boundaries are usually set between the fall of Constantinople in 1453 and the French Revolution in 1789. During these three centuries, humanity took a significant leap forward.
2. Features
A) Political and Economic Order: New lands were discovered, and markets expanded. Large nations ruled by absolute monarchs (France, Spain, Russia) or parliamentary
Read MorePre-Renaissance Literature and Culture
The Pre-Renaissance (15th Century)
This period at the end of the Middle Ages saw a shift in attitudes and perspectives towards life, art, and religion. Literature focused on humanity and earthly existence, with writers addressing themes like wealth, death, and the enjoyment of life.
Society and Culture
The pre-Renaissance saw the rise of the bourgeoisie and flourishing commerce. Culture became a mark of distinction between nobles and wealthy bourgeois, with courts and universities replacing monasteries
Read MoreLiterary Terms and Movements Glossary
Dimensions
Annotations, enclosed in parentheses, serve as stage guides, highlighting key elements and their purpose.
Ballad
A ballad consists of poetic stanzas of equal length, wistfully recounting past events, often legendary, romantic, or traditional.
Ode
A lyrical composition expressing admiration for someone or something.
Calligram
A calligram is a text, usually poetic, where the arrangement of words creates a visual representation of the poem’s content.
Song
A collection of songs and poems, often by
Read MoreBaroque Literature in 17th-Century Spain: Quevedo and Góngora
THE BAROQUE: historical and cultural context:
the period is the cultural movement that develops in Europe during the seventeenth century. In Spain, part of the so-called Golden Age of literature. This century in Spain is ruled by the Habsburg monarchy: lll felipe, felipe lv, and Charles II. The current situation is decaying, and Spain lost its hegemony in Europe for France. All this is accompanied by an economic crisis and considerable social unrest. The pessimism and disappointment are the feelings