Unit 2: El siglo XVI (AP)

Siglo de Oro

A period of cultural and literary flourishing in Spain during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Spanish Renaissance

A literary and cultural movement influenced by the Italian Renaissance, marked by renewed interest in Greco-Roman classical culture.

Humanism

An intellectual movement emphasizing human dignity and promoting the study of classical languages and liberal arts.

Petrarchism

Influence of the Italian poet Petrarch’s love poetry on 16th-century Spanish literature.

Novela Picaresca

A literary genre focusing on the adventures of a 'pícaro,' a character of humble origins who uses wit and cunning to rise socially.

Comedia Nueva

A theatrical form developed by Lope de Vega that blends comedy and tragedy, catering to popular tastes.

Conceptismo

A literary style characterized by sharpness, wordplay, and ingenious ideas, often associated with Francisco de Quevedo.

Culteranismo

A style marked by elaborate language, complex metaphors, and scholarly references, epitomized by Luis de Góngora.

Auto Sacramental

Allegorical religious plays aimed at teaching Catholic doctrine.

Mysticism

Spiritual movement focused on direct union of the soul with God, as seen in the works of Santa Teresa de Jesús and San Juan de la Cruz.

Honor and Reputation

Central themes in Siglo de Oro literature; honor refers to personal moral value, reputation is linked to public opinion.

Love

Recurring themes in literature encompassing various forms such as courtly, platonic, and passionate love.

Religion and Spirituality

Significant in literature, featuring mystical works that express the pursuit of union with God.

Social Criticism and Satire

Critique of societal norms and flaws represented in picaresque novels and satirical poetry.

Lazaro

The protagonist of Lazarillo de Tormes, who navigates his life of poverty through wit and cunning.

Lazarillo de Tormes

A 16th-century Spanish picaresque novel criticizing social and moral norms through the adventures of Lázaro.

Segunda carta de relación

A letter by Hernán Cortés to King Charles I detailing his observations of Mexico and the Aztec Empire.

Visión de los vencidos

A collection of indigenous accounts compiled by Bernardino de Sahagún providing insight into the Aztec perspective before conquest.

Soneto XXIII, “En tanto que de rosa y azucena”

A poem by Garcilaso de la Vega reflecting on the fleeting nature of youth and beauty.

Charles I of Spain

His reign (1516-1556) marked the beginning of the Siglo de Oro, focusing on consolidating royal power.

Philip II

Succeeded Charles I and expanded the Spanish empire, known for defending Catholicism.

Spanish Inquisition

Established in 1478, it was responsible for maintaining religious orthodoxy and persecuting heresy.

Golden Age Theater

Characterized by its development through influential playwrights like Lope de Vega in Spain.

Cervantes

Considered the greatest representative of Spanish literature, known for Don Quijote de la Mancha.

Lope de Vega

The most prolific playwright during the Siglo de Oro, establishing foundational elements of Spanish theater.

Santa Teresa de Jesús

A significant mystic writer whose works reflect spiritual experiences and union with God.

Fray Luis de León

A prominent poet known for works of spiritual depth and biblical influences.

San Juan de la Cruz

A contemporary of Santa Teresa known for intense and emotionally rich mystical poetry.

Renaissance Poetry

Peaked with Garcilaso de la Vega and introduced forms like sonnets into Spanish literature.

Picaresque Novel

Emerging genre recounting adventures of a 'pícaro' and reflecting societal issues.

Spanish Imperialism

The expansion of Spain's territories and wealth from the Americas during the 16th century.

Social Stratification

The structured social hierarchy in 16th-century Spain affecting people's roles and opportunities.

Expulsion of the Moriscos

The 1609 expulsion which led to significant cultural and economic shifts in Spanish society.

Impact on Later Literature

Foundational influences from the Siglo de Oro on works by later authors such as Bécquer and Lorca.

Garcilaso de la Vega

A significant Renaissance poet known for introducing Italian poetic forms to Spanish literature.

Culteranismo vs. Conceptismo

Contrasting literary styles; Culteranismo favors ornate language while Conceptismo emphasizes wit.

Engaño a los ojos

Theatrical technique deploying optical illusions for dramatic effects.

Autos sacramentales

Religious plays aimed at educating audiences about Catholic doctrine and values.

Hernán Cortés

The Spanish conquistador who wrote detailed letters describing the Aztec Empire and its fall.

La Diana

A pastoral novel depicting idealized love, representing the romantic themes of the period.

Noche oscura del alma

A poem by San Juan de la Cruz expressing deep mystical experiences.

Don Quijote de la Mancha

Cervantes' masterpiece that explores themes of reality vs. illusion in a chivalric context.

Fuenteovejuna

A notable play written by Lope de Vega that examines themes of justice and collective action.

El perro del hortelano

A popular comedy play by Lope de Vega highlighting social and romantic conflicts.

Noche serena

A famous poem by Fray Luis de León characterized by its spiritual depth and lyrical beauty.