Glossary
Antítesis (Antithesis)
A rhetorical device that juxtaposes two contrasting ideas, often in a balanced or parallel structure, to highlight their differences.
Example:
The poem often uses antítesis by contrasting the spiritual, ancient heritage of Latin America with the materialist, modern power of the U.S.
Apóstrofe (Apostrophe)
A rhetorical device in which a speaker directly addresses an absent person, an abstract idea, or a thing.
Example:
The entire poem "A Roosevelt" is an apóstrofe, as Darío directly addresses President Theodore Roosevelt, who is not present to respond.
El imperialismo (Imperialism)
A policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, use of military force, or other means.
Example:
"A Roosevelt" serves as a direct critique of el imperialismo practiced by the United States in Latin America during the early 20th century.
El nacionalismo y el regionalismo (Nationalism and Regionalism)
Themes that explore the strong identification with one's own nation (nationalism) or a specific region within a nation (regionalism), often emphasizing cultural heritage and self-determination.
Example:
Darío's call for Latin American unity and the celebration of its unique cultural heritage exemplifies el nacionalismo y el regionalismo in the poem.
Imagen (Imagery)
The use of vivid and descriptive language to create mental pictures for the reader, appealing to the senses.
Example:
Darío uses powerful imagen to depict the natural beauty of Latin America, contrasting it with the industrial might of the U.S.
Las sociedades en contacto (Societies in Contact)
A broad theme in AP Spanish Literature that explores the interactions, conflicts, and power dynamics between different cultures or societies.
Example:
The clash between U.S. expansionism and Latin American cultural identity in "A Roosevelt" is a prime example of las sociedades en contacto.
Metonimia (Metonymy)
A figure of speech in which a thing or concept is referred to by the name of something closely associated with that thing or concept.
Example:
When Darío refers to "Roosevelt" to symbolize the entire U.S. influence and policy in Latin America, he is using metonimia.
Modernismo
A literary movement in Spanish-language literature, primarily from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, characterized by aestheticism, musicality, exoticism, and a focus on art for art's sake, often as a reaction against realism.
Example:
Modernismo poets like Darío sought to renew poetic language, moving away from traditional forms and embracing new rhythms and imagery.
Monroe Doctrine
A U.S. foreign policy statement from 1823 that warned European nations against further colonization or intervention in the Western Hemisphere.
Example:
The Monroe Doctrine was initially intended to protect newly independent Latin American nations but later became a basis for U.S. influence in the region.
Nationalism
A political ideology that emphasizes loyalty, devotion, or allegiance to a nation or nation-state and holds that such obligations outweigh other individual or group interests.
Example:
The rise of nationalism in Latin America during the early 20th century was a direct response to perceived foreign interference and a desire for self-determination.
Paradoja (Paradox)
A statement that appears self-contradictory but contains a deeper truth or insight. In "A Roosevelt," it highlights the irony of U.S. claims versus actions.
Example:
The line "el futuro invasor" presents a paradoja, as a "future" implies something yet to come, while "invasor" suggests an immediate, present threat.
Prosopopeya (Personification)
A literary device where human qualities or actions are attributed to inanimate objects, animals, or abstract ideas.
Example:
When Darío gives Latin America a voice to "stand against foreign dominance," he is employing prosopopeya.
Roosevelt Corollary
An addition to the Monroe Doctrine, stating that the United States would intervene in conflicts between European countries and Latin American countries to enforce legitimate claims of the European powers, rather than having the Europeans press their claims directly.
Example:
The Roosevelt Corollary justified U.S. intervention in Latin American affairs, often leading to resentment and a sense of violated sovereignty.
Rubén Darío
Nicaraguan poet, journalist, and diplomat, considered a leading figure in Modernismo. He significantly influenced Spanish-language literature through his innovative use of language and poetic form.
Example:
The works of Rubén Darío are often characterized by their musicality and aesthetic beauty, as seen in his collection "Azul...".
Símbolo (Symbol)
An object, person, or idea that represents something else, often an abstract concept. In the poem, the American eagle and the mariposa are key symbols.
Example:
The símbolo of the American eagle in "A Roosevelt" powerfully conveys the aggressive expansionism of the United States.
Verso libre (Free Verse)
Poetry that does not rhyme or have a regular meter. It allows for flexible expression and can convey a sense of freedom or resistance.
Example:
The use of verso libre in "A Roosevelt" allows Darío to break from traditional poetic constraints, mirroring the poem's theme of breaking free from imperialistic control.