Unit 5: Crisis and Renovation in Hispanic Literature

Crisis of '98

The pivotal point marking the collapse of the Spanish Empire and the assertion of Latin America's cultural identity.

Spanish-American War

Conflict in 1898 where Spain fought the United States, resulting in the loss of Spain's last overseas colonies.

El imperio donde nunca se pone el sol

Phrase reflecting Spain’s vast empire, which was rendered obsolete after the 1898 war.

Modernismo

The first Latin American literary movement influencing Spain, characterized by a focus on beauty and exoticism.

El Arte por el Arte

A key principle of Modernismo emphasizing aesthetics over political messages.

Sentimentalism and Sensuality

A characteristic of Modernismo featuring the heavy use of the five senses.

Symbolism in Modernismo

The use of symbols like the color blue and the swan to represent freedom and elegance.

Cosmopolitanism

The idea of looking beyond local mediocrity towards the cultural centers of Paris, Greece, and the Orient.

Renovation of Metric

Experimentation with verse rhythms in Modernismo, such as Alexandrine verses.

José Martí

Cuban writer and precursor to Modernismo who warned against US imperialism.

Nuestra América

Essay by José Martí cautioning Latin Americans against copying European and US models of government.

El gigante de siete leguas

Metaphor used by Martí to refer to the USA's overwhelming influence.

El hombre natural

Martí's concept of the indigenous person who understands the country, contrasting the educated elite.

Rubén Darío

Nicaraguan writer known as the Father of Modernism, wrote 'A Roosevelt'.

A Roosevelt

Poem by Rubén Darío that addresses Theodore Roosevelt, discussing themes of imperialism.

Mundonovismo

Modernismo phase concerned with New World political determination.

Eres los Estados Unidos, eres el futuro invasor…

Famous line from Darío's poem 'A Roosevelt' highlighting the USA's imperial presence.

Generación del 98

Group of Spanish writers influenced by the 1898 disaster, seeking to redefine Spanish identity.

Focus on Castilla

Emphasis on the dry Castilian landscape symbolizing the Spanish soul in Generación del 98.

Existentialism

Philosophical focus in Generación del 98 dealing with themes of anguish and the question of faith.

Plain Language

Preference for direct and sober language among writers of the Generación del 98.

Intrahistoria

Term coined by Unamuno referring to the daily lives of common people, as opposed to historical elites.

Miguel de Unamuno

Spanish philosopher known for his work on the tragic sense of life and the novel 'San Manuel Bueno, mártir'.

San Manuel Bueno, mártir

Unamuno's novel depicting a priest struggling with his lost faith while serving his community.

The Mountain

Symbol in Unamuno's work representing faith and eternity.

The Lake

Symbol in Unamuno's work representing doubt and nothingness.

Theme of truth vs. happiness

A central theme in Unamuno's work discussing the value of truth versus the comfort of lies.

Antonio Machado

Spanish poet associated with Generación del 98, known for his poem 'He andado muchos caminos'.

He andado muchos caminos

A poem by Antonio Machado contrasting the attitudes of the upper class versus the working people.

Mala gente

Term used by Machado to describe arrogant intellectuals and the upper class.

Buena gente

Term used by Machado to describe the humble and hardworking common people.

Pío Baroja

Novelist of Generación del 98 known for his pessimistic view of society.

Azorín

Writer focused on the description of the Castilian landscape and the passage of time.

Ramón María del Valle-Inclán

Author known for creating the Esperpento style, aiming to critique society.

Esperpento

Literary style characterized by grotesque distortion of reality to highlight societal issues.

Metalingüística

Writing about writing or self-referential storytelling, found in works like Unamuno's 'Niebla'.

Paralelismo

Literary technique involving the repetition of grammatical structures.

Sinestesia

The blending of sensory experiences, significant in Modernismo.

Verso Libre

Free verse poetry that breaks traditional rhyme schemes, popular in Modernismo.

Apostrofe

A literary device where the speaker addresses someone or something directly.

Common Mistakes in Literary Analysis

Mistakes made include misinterpreting Modernismo and confusing timelines.

Unamuno's 'faith' discussion

Unamuno is characterized as an agonic thinker, focusing on the struggle to believe.

Influence of Modernismo on Generación del 98

Modernismo influenced Generación del 98 writers, although they later diverged.

Political shift in Darío's work

Rubén Darío transitioned from aesthetic poetry to political engagement later in life.

Cultural Identity Post-1898

Latin America celebrated its distinct cultural identity following the collapse of the Spanish Empire.