All Flashcards
What was the Second Spanish Republic?
A period of democratic government in Spain (1931-1939) marked by political and social reforms and tensions.
What is the significance of the setting, Valverde de Lucerna?
Its isolation emphasizes the characters' internal struggles and the importance of community.
How did the Second Spanish Republic impact religious ideals?
Rising secularism challenged traditional Catholic values, creating tension reflected in the novella.
What role does religion play in Valverde de Lucerna?
It provides spiritual comfort and community cohesion for the rural villagers.
What is the significance of a priest doubting his faith?
It challenges traditional religious authority and explores the complexities of belief and doubt.
How does the socio-economic status of the villagers affect their faith?
Their hardships increase their reliance on spiritual comfort, making religion central to their lives.
Explain the cultural importance of a 'santo' in rural Spanish communities.
Saints are highly revered figures who provide spiritual guidance and are seen as intercessors with God, offering comfort and hope to the community.
What is the cultural significance of the name 'Lázaro'?
It alludes to the biblical figure Lazarus, who was raised from the dead, symbolizing resurrection and questioning the finality of death, which ties into the novella's themes of faith and mortality.
Explain the role of the Church in rural Spanish society during the early 20th century.
The Church was a central institution providing not only spiritual guidance but also social and moral structure, influencing daily life and community values.
What is the cultural significance of the oral tradition in rural Spain?
Oral tradition preserves local history, customs, and beliefs, playing a crucial role in maintaining cultural identity and community cohesion in the absence of widespread literacy.
How does the concept of 'honor' influence the characters' actions?
Honor is a deeply ingrained cultural value that dictates behavior, especially in public, influencing characters to maintain appearances and uphold community expectations, even when facing personal struggles.
How do you form the imperfect subjunctive in Spanish?
Start with the 3rd person plural preterite form, drop the '-ron' ending, and add '-ra', '-ras', '-ra', '-ramos', '-rais', '-ran'.
When should you use the subjunctive mood?
Use it to express doubt, uncertainty, wishes, emotions, or impersonal opinions.
Explain the use of 'se' for impersonal constructions.
'Se' is used with a third-person singular verb to express actions where the actor is not specified (e.g., 'Se dice que...').
How do you use 'por' and 'para' correctly?
'Por' is used for cause, reason, or duration; 'para' is used for purpose, destination, or recipient.
Explain the difference between 'ser' and 'estar'.
'Ser' is used for permanent characteristics; 'estar' is used for temporary conditions or locations.
How do you form the present perfect subjunctive?
Use 'haya' + past participle. It expresses doubt or emotion about a past action.
When do you use the preterite tense?
Use the preterite tense to describe completed actions in the past that had a definite beginning and end.
When do you use the imperfect tense?
Use the imperfect tense to describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past, or to set the scene.
How do you form conditional sentences with 'si'?
Use 'si' + imperfect subjunctive, then conditional simple to express hypothetical situations.
Explain the use of the personal 'a'.
The personal 'a' is used before a direct object that is a specific person or pet.
How do you form affirmative tú commands?
Use the él/ella/usted form of the present indicative (e.g., Habla, Come, Vive).
What is the meaning of 'Secularismo'?
Separation of religion from state and public life.
What is the meaning of 'Introspección'?
Self-examination of one's own thoughts and feelings.
What is the meaning of 'Fe'?
Belief in something without proof.
What is the meaning of 'Duda'?
A feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction.
What is the meaning of 'Angustia existencial'?
A feeling of deep anxiety about the meaning of life.
What is the meaning of 'Desdoblamiento'?
A splitting of one's personality into two distinct entities.
What is the meaning of 'Yuxtaposición'?
The placement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts.
What is the meaning of 'Mártir'?
A person who is killed because of their religious or other beliefs.
What is the meaning of 'Ambigüedad'?
The quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness.
What is the meaning of 'Narrador fidedigno'?
A narrator whose account of events the reader can generally trust.
What is the meaning of 'Narrador no fidedigno'?
A narrator whose account of events the reader cannot fully trust.