“En una tempestad” – José María Heredia

Elijah Ramirez
8 min read
Listen to this study note
Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers José María Heredia's "En una tempestad", focusing on its Romantic themes and literary devices. Key topics include: Heredia's background, historical/societal context, poem summary, analysis of characters, literary devices (e.g., heptasílabo, endecasílabo, prosopopeya, metonimia, apóstrofe), themes (nature, individual vs. environment, time/space), important details (e.g., silva structure), and exam preparation with practice questions (multiple-choice and free-response).
#AP Spanish Literature: "En una tempestad" Study Guide ⛈️
Hey there! Let's dive into "En una tempestad" by José María Heredia. This poem is a powerhouse of Romanticism, and we're going to break it down so you feel super confident. Think of this as your go-to guide for test day!
#Context: Setting the Stage 🌍
Understanding the background of a text is like having a secret weapon for your FRQs. Let's get you armed!
#Author Background ✍️
- José María Heredia: A Cuban Romantic poet (1803-1839). He's a big deal in Spanish-American literature.
- Known for his passionate and descriptive writing style. "En una tempestad" is one of his most famous works.
- He uses the storm to reflect on the insignificance of humans compared to nature's power. 💡
FRQ Tip: Use author background to impress the graders in your introduction! It shows you know your stuff.
#Time and Place 🕰️
- Historical Context: Early 19th century, a time of revolution and independence movements in Latin America. Heredia's work reflects this revolutionary spirit.
- Geographic Context: The poem is set in Cuba, with its powerful Caribbean storms. The natural landscape is a key element.
- The storm symbolizes the untamed power of nature in the Caribbean. 🌊
Image Courtesy of Colgate University
Image Courtesy of Geology
#Societal Context 🎭
- Political: Written during a time of political unrest in Cuba, under Spanish colonial rule. The poem captures the yearning for freedom.
- Socio-economic: Colonial society with slavery, exploitation, and large income gaps. The poem indirectly challenges these oppressive structures.
- Cultural: Reflects the Romantic movement, emphasizing nature, strong emotions, and the connection between nature and Cuban identity.
#Need to Know About "En una tempestad" 📝
Let's get into the nitty-gritty details. This is where we mak...

How are we doing?
Give us your feedback and let us know how we can improve