Unit 4 & Beyond: Analysis of 19th and Early 20th Century Peninsular Literature

Romanticism (El Romanticismo)

A literary movement from the first half of the 19th century that was a rebellion against Neoclassicism prioritizing individualism and emotional expression.

Post-Romanticism

The later phase of Romanticism characterized by intimate, introspective poetry that focuses on the ineffable, associated with Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer.

Realism (Realismo)

A literary movement that emerged as a reaction against Romanticism, aiming to depict life objectively.

Naturalism (Naturalismo)

An evolution of Realism led by Emilia Pardo Bazán, applying the scientific method to literature and emphasizing determinism.

Determinism

The concept that a character's fate is determined by their biological inheritance and environmental conditions.

Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer

A poet who represents the bridge between Romanticism and modern poetry; known for his collection 'Rimas'.

Rima IV

A poem by Bécquer that explores the immortality of poetry versus the mortality of the poet.

Anaphora

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses used heavily in Bécquer's 'Rima IV'.

Hyperbaton

The alteration of normal syntax for emphasis; used in Bécquer's poetry.

Memento Mori

A literary theme in Bécquer's 'Rima LIII' which reflects on the inevitability of time and lost love.

Polysyndeton

The use of several conjunctions in close succession, resulting in a slowing of rhythm.

Emilia Pardo Bazán

A Naturalist writer in Spain known for her short story 'Las medias rojas'.

Las medias rojas

A short story by Emilia Pardo Bazán centered on a young woman's brutal struggle against her oppressive father.

Ildara

The protagonist of 'Las medias rojas', who represents hope and the desire for freedom.

Tío Clodio

Ildara's father in 'Las medias rojas'; a symbol of the old patriarchal order and oppressive environment.

Color Symbolism in 'Las medias rojas'

Red represents hope and passion, while grey and black symbolize squalor and oppression.

San Manuel Bueno, mártir

A philosophical novel by Miguel de Unamuno that explores themes of faith, truth, and personal sacrifice.

Don Manuel

The village priest in 'San Manuel Bueno, mártir' who lives a lie for the sake of his parishioners' happiness.

Angela Carballino

The narrator of 'San Manuel Bueno, mártir', who represents the synthesis of faith and doubt.

Intrahistoria

A focus on the quiet, daily lives of common people, a concept emphasized by Unamuno.

The Mountain (La Montaña)

Symbolizes faith in 'San Manuel Bueno, mártir', representing steadfastness and hope.

The Lake (El Lago)

Symbolizes doubt in 'San Manuel Bueno, mártir', representing introspection and hidden truths.

Melancholic Tone

A characteristic tone of Bécquer's Romanticism, emphasizing deep emotions and introspection.

Objective Tone

The unbiased, scientific tone of Naturalism as seen in the works of Emilia Pardo Bazán.

Philosophical Tone

The tone used in Unamuno's works, reflecting existential themes and the struggle with mortality.

Comparative Analysis

The juxtaposition of different literary movements, highlighting their views on reality and the individual.

Common Pitfall: Rima LIII Misinterpretation

The mistake of thinking all swallows won’t return instead of understanding their cyclical nature and loss of specific connections.

Common Pitfall: Understanding Tío Clodio

Over-simplifying Tío Clodio as merely 'bad' without acknowledging the influences of poverty and societal structure.