AP Spanish Literature: Key Works and Historical Context

1. Medieval Literature

1.1 Conde Lucanor, Exemplo XXXV – Don Juan Manuel

• Theme: Morality, decision-making, consequences of actions
• Narrative Structure: Frame narrative with moral lessons
• Tone and Style: Simple, didactic, uses prose and fables
• Cultural Context: Reflects feudal society, authority, and virtue
• Language: Examples of medieval Spanish
• Literary Techniques: Moralistic tone, fable structure, allegory

1.2 “Romance de la pérdida de Alhama” – Anónimo

• Theme: Loss, fate, impact of historical events
• Narrative Structure: Romance form with repetition
• Tone and Style: Mournful, dramatic, uses repetition
• Cultural Context: Late Middle Ages, end of Reconquista
• Literary Techniques: Repetition, dialogue, vivid imagery

Historical Context

• Feudalism and vassal relationships
• Influence of Catholic Church
• Impact of Crusades and Reconquista
• Rise of universities and intellectual development

Key Literary Works

• El Cantar de Mio Cid: Epic poem reflecting feudal values
• El Libro de Buen Amor: Explores love, morality, religion
• Las Coplas por la muerte de su padre: Elegiac poetry
• La Celestina: Transition to Renaissance theater
• Romancero Viejo: Collection of anonymous ballads

Other Major Authors

• Gonzalo de Berceo, Juan Ruiz, Don Juan Manuel, Jorge Manrique, Fernando de Rojas

Themes and Motifs

• Honor, loyalty, courtly love, religion, transience of life, social critique

Literary Techniques

• Cuaderna vía, Mester de clerecía, Mester de juglaría, allegory, anaphora

Cultural Influences

• Oral tradition, Arabic and Hebrew influences, courtly love, European literature

Language Evolution

• Development from Vulgar Latin to Old Spanish

Legacy and Impact

• Foundation for Spanish Renaissance and Golden Age literature
• Influence on national identity and cultural heritage

2. Siglo de Oro (Golden Age)

Historical Context

• Prosperity and expansion under Charles I and Philip II
• Influence of Spanish Inquisition and explorations

Required Works in Unit 2

• Lazarillo de Tormes: Picaresque novel critiquing social norms
• Visión de los vencidos: Indigenous accounts of the Aztec Empire's fall
• Soneto XXIII: Renaissance poem on carpe diem

More Authors and Works

• Miguel de Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Fray Luis de León, Santa Teresa de Jesús

Key Literary Movements

• Renaissance, Humanism, Picaresque Novel

Themes and Motifs

• Honor, love, religion, social criticism

Literary Techniques

• Italian metrics, Conceptismo, Culteranismo

Religious and Social Influences

• Counter-Reformation, social stratification

Importance to Later Spanish Literature

• Foundations for future literature
• Influence on theater and global literature

3. Romanticism, Realism, Naturalism

Romanticism

• Individualism, emotion, idealized past, nature
• Key Authors: José de Espronceda, Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer

Realism

• Objective portrayal of ordinary life
• Key Authors: Benito Pérez Galdós, Leopoldo Alas

Naturalism

• Focus on heredity and environment
• Key Authors: Emilia Pardo Bazán

Historical Context

• Political instability, rise of middle class

Importance in Modern Literature

• Influences on 20th-century Spanish literature

4. Generation of '98

Historical Context

• Loss of colonies, search for identity

Key Figures and Works

• Miguel de Unamuno, Pío Baroja, Azorín, Ramón María del Valle-Inclán

Major Literary Works

• Niebla: Existential novel
• Luces de bohemia: Play using esperpento

Themes and Motifs

• Regeneration of Spain, identity, existentialism

Literary Techniques and Styles

• Innovative narrative techniques, realism, social criticism

Impact on Spanish Literature

• Paved way for avant-garde movements
• Influenced later Spanish writers

5. 20th Century Theater and Poetry

Key Works

• La casa de Bernarda Alba: Explores repression and patriarchy
• El hombre que se convirtió en perro: Satirical commentary on capitalism

Importance of the Unit

• Exploration of social and political context
• Innovative literary styles, themes of identity and oppression

This summary covers key works, authors, literary movements, historical context, and their significance in Spanish literature. The notes capture the development of themes, styles, and cultural influences shaping the identity and evolution of Spanish literary tradition.