Glossary
Barroco
An artistic and literary movement of the 17th century characterized by its ornate, complex, and often dramatic style. It sought to evoke emotion and awe through elaborate decoration and contrast.
Example:
The intricate metaphors and convoluted syntax in Góngora's poetry are prime examples of the Barroco style.
Carpe Diem
A Latin phrase meaning 'seize the day,' a common literary theme that urges the reader to enjoy the present moment and its pleasures because life is short and uncertain.
Example:
A character who decides to pursue their dreams immediately rather than waiting, embodying the spirit of carpe diem.
Conceptismo
A literary style within the Baroque movement, primarily associated with Francisco de Quevedo, characterized by its focus on wit, wordplay, paradoxes, and the concise expression of profound ideas. It valued intellectual sharpness and ingenuity.
Example:
A short, impactful poem that uses clever puns and sharp contrasts to convey a deep philosophical truth exemplifies conceptismo.
Culteranismo
A literary style within the Baroque movement, primarily associated with Luis de Góngora, known for its extreme use of complex syntax, obscure vocabulary, mythological allusions, and elaborate metaphors. It aimed for aesthetic beauty and intellectual challenge.
Example:
Reading a poem filled with Latinisms and convoluted sentence structures, where the meaning is hidden beneath layers of ornate language, is a clear encounter with culteranismo.
El amor y el desprecio
A literary theme that explores the complex interplay between affection, passion, and admiration, contrasted with feelings of scorn, disdain, or rejection. These emotions often appear intertwined or in conflict.
Example:
A dramatic play where a character's intense devotion turns into bitter resentment after a betrayal exemplifies the theme of el amor y el desprecio.
El tiempo y el espacio
A literary theme exploring how the passage of time and the influence of physical settings affect characters, events, and the overall meaning of a work. It examines change, decay, and permanence.
Example:
In a novel where a city transforms drastically over decades, the theme of el tiempo y el espacio highlights the impact of urban development on its inhabitants.
La introspección
A literary theme characterized by deep self-reflection and examination of one's own thoughts, feelings, and motives. It often involves a character's internal monologue or a narrator's detailed exploration of inner states.
Example:
A diary entry where a character meticulously analyzes their own fears and desires is a clear instance of la introspección.
La trayectoria y la transformación
A literary theme focusing on the journey or path taken by a character, idea, or society, and the significant changes or developments that occur along that path. It often involves evolution, decline, or metamorphosis.
Example:
The protagonist's journey from naive youth to wise old age, marked by profound personal growth, illustrates la trayectoria y la transformación.
Memento Mori
A Latin phrase meaning 'remember that you must die,' a literary theme that serves as a reminder of the inevitability of death. It often encourages a focus on spiritual matters or a reflection on the transient nature of earthly life.
Example:
A painting depicting a skull alongside beautiful flowers serves as a powerful memento mori, reminding viewers of life's fleeting nature.
Salmo
Originally a sacred song or hymn, in literature, it can refer to a poem of praise, lament, or reflection, often with a solemn or meditative tone, though not necessarily religious.
Example:
A modern poem that expresses profound sorrow and questioning about the state of the world could be considered a salmo in its thematic and tonal resonance.
Siglo de Oro
A period of flourishing arts and literature in Spain, roughly from the late 15th to the late 17th century. It produced some of Spain's most influential literary works and artists.
Example:
During the Siglo de Oro, playwrights like Lope de Vega revolutionized Spanish theater with their innovative dramatic structures.
Soneto
A poetic form consisting of 14 lines, typically written in hendecasyllables (11-syllable lines) and following a specific rhyme scheme, often ABBA ABBA CDE CDE or ABBA ABBA CDC DCD.
Example:
Shakespeare's 'Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?' is a famous soneto that explores themes of eternal beauty.